NLC, Others Decry Lack of Benefits a Year After Subsidy Removal

In a recent development, labour unions have voiced their dissatisfaction with the absence of tangible gains one year after the removal of fuel subsidy, initially announced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Expressing their concerns, Labour representatives highlighted the failure of the subsidy removal to yield significant dividends for the populace. They criticized the delay in announcing the New National Minimum Wage, which expired last month, despite presenting their proposal of N615,000 to the federal government.

President of the Association of Senior Civil Servants (ASCSN), Comrade (Dr) Tommy Etim Okon, and President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, emphasized the adverse effects of the subsidy removal on the masses, attributing it to increased poverty levels and infrastructure neglect due to mismanagement of accrued revenues by government entities.

In separate discussions, both Okon and Ajaero expressed dismay over the hardships endured by Nigerians, demanding accountability from NNPC Limited regarding the status of subsidy removal and outstanding payments to oil marketers. They called for the reversal of the electricity tariff hike and withdrawal of the proposed cyber security levy, labeling them additional burdens on the populace.

Furthermore, they criticized the delay in the promised operationalization of the Port Harcourt refinery, emphasizing the need to expose internal cabals within NNPC. They concluded by urging for swift action to alleviate the ongoing suffering experienced by Nigerians.