NLC Calls for Nationwide Action on Wednesday, Urging Petrol Price Reversal

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In a display of resolute determination, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) unequivocally voiced its disapproval of the policies implemented by the President Bola Tinubu administration. The labor union, representing the rights and welfare of Nigerian workers and masses, held a crucial Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting on a consequential Tuesday.

At the culmination of this pivotal gathering, a forceful communique emerged, issued as both a warning and a call to action. The NLC, led by its President, Joe Ajaero, and the union's General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, issued a stern seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government. The ultimatum required an immediate reversal of what the labor union deemed "anti-poor" policies, prominently featuring the contentious hike in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol.

Expressing their deep concern for the plight of ordinary Nigerians, the NLC condemned the administration's apparent disregard for the hardships faced by its citizens. Accusing the government of pursuing an adversarial approach towards Nigerian workers and masses, the labor union accused them of initiating a war of attrition.

The NLC's discontentment began with the President's speech on inauguration day, where he declared the end of fuel subsidies. Since that day, the people's peace of mind had been shattered. The government's subsequent actions have only reinforced this sentiment, with the NLC asserting that Nigerians were being treated as second-class citizens, left to suffer the consequences of decisions made without their welfare in mind.

Among the issues highlighted in the communique was the controversial hike in PMS prices to an alarming N617 per litre. The NLC expressed dissatisfaction with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), which seemed to exercise undue control over demand and supply dynamics while purportedly endorsing deregulation.

Furthermore, the NLC contended that the government's actions appeared to disregard a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) previously signed with both the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), raising doubts about their commitment to honoring agreed-upon terms.

The labor union demanded an immediate reversal of the various anti-poor policies, including the recent PMS price hike, an increase in public school fees, and the release of eight months' withheld salary owed to university lecturers and workers. Additionally, the NLC urged the prompt inauguration of the Presidential Steering Committee.

In a bold display of their resolve, the NLC issued a final ultimatum, giving the Federal Government a mere seven-day window to address their demands. Failing to comply would trigger a nationwide, total, and indefinite strike, scheduled to commence on Wednesday, the 2nd of August, 2023. This decision aimed to exert substantial pressure on the government, compelling them to reverse their perceived hostile stance towards the masses.

Anticipating a lack of immediate compliance, the NLC vowed to organize and lead mass protest rallies across the nation. These demonstrations would serve as a powerful visual demonstration of the people's outrage against the government's perceived inhumane actions and policies.

In essence, the Nigeria Labour Congress's communique was a clarion call, demanding a swift and just resolution to the grievances of the people. With the specter of a nationwide strike and widespread protests looming, the ball now firmly rested in the government's court to either heed the call for change or face the consequences of further unrest and discord.

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