No Going Back On Nationwide Strike – NLC Declares

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has firmly dismissed any suggestions that it might reconsider its proposed nationwide industrial action scheduled for Wednesday. The NLC stated that the strike would only be shelved if the Federal Government and the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) took appropriate action by reverting to the previous status quo on the fuel subsidy removal issue.

In a statement released on Sunday by Benson Upah, the Head of Information and Public Affairs for the NLC, the organization responded to a story published in a national newspaper, calling it a laughable and desperate attempt by adversaries of the people to divide the Nigeria Labour Congress along ethnic or regional lines regarding an issue of national importance.

The NLC emphasized its commitment to being the largest pan-Nigerian organization united by a common vision, mission, and shared national values, dismissing the notion that primordial sentiments such as religion, region, or ethnicity have any place within the Congress. According to Upah, the looming strike is backed by all affiliate unions of the Congress, who are resolute in their determination to proceed on Wednesday unless the NNPC and the government take the necessary steps.

The Congress highlighted the significant concerns surrounding the recent hike in the pump price of petroleum products, stressing that the burden of this malevolent policy should not be borne solely by certain regions while excluding others. Therefore, there is no reason for any region, including the North or South-West, to withdraw their support for the strike.

It is worth noting that on May 29, 2023, during his inaugural speech, President Bola Tinubu declared the end of the era of subsidy for petroleum products. Since then, this decision has created a ripple effect throughout the Nigerian polity, culminating in the current standoff between the NLC and the government.

As the proposed strike approaches, tensions continue to mount, and the nation eagerly awaits further developments on this crucial issue that impacts the lives of millions of Nigerians.