GOVERNMENT’S REVERSAL ON FUEL PUMP PRICE INCREASE, A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION – NLC

“Immediately, the Minister of Finance unveiled government’s plans on

petrol price increment, the Nigeria Labour Congress issued a press

statement on November 24, 2021 condemning the proposed

government policy and warned of the dire consequences that would

follow the implementation of the policy.

“The Congress went on to convene national organ meetings to deliberate on the issue.

After series of statutory organ meetings culminating in a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting which took place on the 17th of December 2021, the Nigeria Labour Congress renewed its traditional position of resisting incessant increases in the pump price of petrol.

“The NEC went ahead to give directives for the mobilization of workers and citizens for national protests if the Federal Government fails to reverse the planned hike in the pump price of petrol.

At the peak of very rigorous mobilization of Nigerians by the Nigeria Labour Congress and a host of her Civil Society allies, the government

through the Minister of Finance yesterday, 24th January 2022, made

a public announcement reversing the plans to increase petrol pump

price.

price. The position of the government was also officially

communicated to the Congress with calls for further engagement.

Following the reversal and reapproach by government, the National

Executive Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress had an emergency

virtual meeting this morning to consider the new position of the

government. After vigorous debates, the NEC decided to suspend the

planned nationwide protest scheduled for 27th January 2022 and the

national protest in Abuja scheduled for 2nd February 2022.

“The leadership of the Congress has communicated this organ

decision to our civil society allies who have stood stoically behind

Nigerian workers in our quest for social and economic justice for

workers and the downtrodden people of our country.

“Going forward, we will continue to engage with the government on

the very critical issues of ensuring local refining of petroleum,

creation of sustainable jobs and provision of petrol at an affordable

price for Nigerian workers and people.

The statement added.

As to what the reaction of labour would be if paradventure the federal government goes back on its words, the labour has this to say.

That Labour in Kaduna felt it necessary to call on people in the state to brief them on why they are suspending their protest meant to take off tomorrow, 27th January, 2022 but since the national body  and government has reached agreement, the protest will no longer hold.

Labour it said is hoping and trusting government to respect the agreement.

However, labour is not going to sleep they are watching as events unfold and would take action whenever the need arises. It assured.