NLC, TUC Commend Suspension of Fuel Subsidy Removal

The Nigeria Labour Congress has described the Federal Government’s decision to suspend the removal of fuel subsidy as the “best option” for the country.

Mr Benson Upah, Head of Information, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), said this while reacting to the recent suspension of the subsidy removal by the Federal Government on Thursday in Abuja.

The National Economic Council (NEC) had planned for the removal of subsidy on petroleum product.

Upah said the NLC was glad that the government had decided to do the right thing.

“The path they wanted to tow at the detriment of the ordinary Nigerians would have set the country on fire.

“There would have been instantaneous reaction. Of course, we would have been glad to coordinate those reactions.

“But happily, they are beginning to see the light. Our advice would be that they should take a lesson from the document we gave them on the so-called fuel subsidy removal.

“The answer cannot be far from domestic production,’’ he said.

Upah called on the Federal Government to fix the existing refineries or build new ones, instead of importing refined petroleum products.

Also, Mr Nuhu Toro, Secretary General, Trade Union Congress (TUC) said that the Federal Government’s decision to suspend fuel subsidy removal was a good move.

“Though it’s coming late but the Federal government’s decision to suspend the move to remove fuel subsidy has alluded to the fact that such harsh economic policy ought to have been a product of social dialogue which was not done.

“We told Nigerians earlier on that the policy is ill-timed and is not acceptable. So it is good that the government has done a U-turn because the policy cannot be forced down our throat,” he said.

Toro said that it was good that the government had to rethink its decision on the removal of fuel subsidy.

He also added that refurbishing the existing refineries and production of petroleum products in the country is in the best interest of the people because of the huge advantages.

“First, it would create jobs, make the petroleum products available for consumption and probably reduce the price of the products. It will also guarantee foreign direct investment and make Nigeria a better of place.

“We are confused that our refineries are not working and we have asked over time, why are the refineries not working.

“So there is a strong need for a deliberate effort by the incoming government to ensure that our refineries work.”

NAN/Hauwa Abu