Nigeria’s Labour Congress, Trade Union Congress Suspend Strike Over Fuel Subsidy Removal

By: Ogunleye Oluwapelumi

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have suspended their strike scheduled for Wednesday following a meeting with the Federal Government representatives at the Presidential Villa on Monday night. The meeting was held to discuss the fuel subsidy removal issue. The agreement struck between the NLC, TUC, and the team set up by President Bola Tinubu led to the suspension of the strike.

According to the communique read by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, the Federal Government, TUC, and NLC would review World Bank Financed Cash transfer scheme and propose inclusion of low-income earners in the program. The CNG conversion program earlier agreed with Labour centers in 2021 would be revived, and detailed implementation and timing would be worked out.

The Labour centers and the Federal Government would review issues hindering effective delivery in the education sector and propose solutions for implementation. The Labour centers and the Federal Government would also review and establish the framework for completion of the rehabilitation of the nation’s refineries.

The suspension of the strike is a relief to Nigerians, as it would have caused significant disruptions to the country’s economy. The strike was called to protest the removal of fuel subsidy, which would have led to an increase in fuel prices. The suspension of the strike would give the parties involved time to review and agree on the best way to implement the subsidy removal without causing undue hardship to Nigerians.