Following a protest that took place across the country on Wednesday the organized Labor has reached an agreement to temporarily halt any actions regarding their opposition, to the removal of fuel subsidy.
This decision was made after a meeting between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and representatives of the workers.
Attending the meeting were Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Festus Osifo, his counterpart, from the Trade Union Congress (TUC).
Today workers, across the country expressed their discontent through protests against the administrations decision to remove fuel subsidies.
These demonstrations came after weeks of stalled negotiations between the workers and the government.
The NLC, TUC and other affiliated unions have been demanding a reversal of this decision.
The protests were prompted by a National Industrial Courts ruling that prevented them from initiating a strike scheduled for Wednesday, June 7th, 2023.
Shortly after these widespread protests took place labor leaders convened at the Aso Rock Presidential villa to meet with President Tinubu.
It is reported that they left this meeting feeling satisfied with the promises made by the President and are now willing to hold off on actions.
During this meeting President Tinubu assured the workers that production at the Port Harcourt refinery would commence by December of this year.
According to NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaeros statement there were five commitments made by President Tinubu during this discussion.
Furthermore Comrade Ajaero mentioned that President Tinubu pledged to negotiate a wage award for workers and unveil a viable roadmap, for adopting CNG as an alternative next week.
"PBAT has expressed their commitment to promptly restructure the framework, for engagement aligning it with the suggestions provided by the Labour leaders."
"We have decided to initiate a renewed and revitalized process of dialogue to ensure implementation " stated the message posted on the NLC platform.
The labor leaders are expected to declare the suspension of protests on Thursday.
Meanwhile workers, across the country made statements accusing the Federal Government of showing insensitivity towards the plight of citizens.
In Abuja the capital city than 5000 protesters gathered at the National Assembly.
They initially assembled at Unity Fountain in Abuja. Then proceeded to march towards the Federal Ministry of Justice before reaching the National Assembly.
However due to security officials denying them access frustrated protesters forcefully opened gates. Entered into the assembly complex to express their anger.
In Kano State NLC expressed dissatisfaction with measures introduced by the Federal Government to mitigate fuel subsidy removals impact.
The Kano chapter lamented that within two months of President Tinubus administration unpopular policies were imposed on people.
Kabiru Inuwa, Chairman of NLC in Kano emphasized that their union is not a party and will not engage in games, with Nigerian lives.
"Tinubu should consider peoples well being " added Inuwa.
"He assured that the palliative measures would be swiftly distributed " he stated.
Similarly in Kogi the organized Labor urged the Federal Government to reconsider any policies that were detrimental, to the well being of Nigerians.
The Chairman of NLC, in Kogi State, Comrade Gabriel Amari expressed that the protest arose due to the circumstances faced by Nigerians. He emphasized that if immediate actions are not taken it could lead to chaos within the nation.
"We are going through a time in our lives as Nigerians. This is not what we were promised when we voted for President Tinubu " Amari stated.
The workers in Ogun also affirmed that subsidy removal is a practice worldwide. They criticized policies such as the removal of fuel subsidy increased school fees and VAT as being detrimental to the people.
Furthermore they demanded the release of eight months worth of withheld salaries for university lecturers and an end to what they perceived as government actions and policies.
Some of their placards displayed messages like; "Give relief to the poor of suffocating them" "Revive the refineries ! Stop importing petrol" "Combat corruption, tax the wealthy and support those in need" and "Ensure treatment, for workers".According to Hammed Ademola, the Chairman of NLC, in Ogun it is crucial for us to take to the streets and not wait for our fate to be decided for us. Now is the opportune moment for Nigerians to voice their grievances and make it clear to the government of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu that we are enduring suffering.
The removal of fuel subsidy has inflicted hardships, on the people of this nation. We find ourselves in a situation where we possess crude oil resources but still rely on imports. This state of affairs has become unbearable and its time to put an end to it " Ademola expressed fervently.
His counterpart, from the Trade Union Congress (TUC) Akeem Lasisi expressed his disappointment in the corruption associated with the subsidy system in our country stating that "subsidy is a practice worldwide."
In addition he emphasized that of removing the subsidy the government should focus on eradicating corruption within it.
Addressing the President workers from Bayelsa highlighted how an increase in fuel prices directly leads to an escalation of poverty and criminal activities.
The State Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) Comrade Barnabas Simon, criticized the removal of fuel subsidies without consideration for its impact on workers. He also described the provision of a N8,000 cash transfer to twelve thousand households as an insult to Nigerians.
They further stressed that it was expected for organized labor to be consulted and involved in negotiations to find ways to alleviate the consequences that ordinary Nigerians would face due to subsidy removal.
Similarly Comrade Humphrey Emeka Nwafor, Chairman of NLC in Anambra State expressed concern over hardships faced by citizens. He urged Nigerians to raise their voices against the economic situation, in our country.
We urge the government to fulfill its responsibility by ensuring that university workers receive their 8 month salary.
"It is important for the government to maintain control over the pricing of petroleum products, for Nigerians than allowing private companies to dictate it. We cannot accept a N8,000 as a palliative."
"This protest march serves as a message, to the Federal Government urging them to take the actions to alleviate the hardships faced by Nigerians.
In Enugu State, Fabian Nwigbo, the Chairman of NLC expressed his disappointment with the Bola Tinubu led administration for eliminating fuel subsidies on its day in office. This decision has significantly intensified the struggles of our people.
The governments policies have had consequences on our citizens with some losing their lives as a result. We have reached a point of exhaustion with this situation. The current minimum wage of N30,000 is barely enough to fill up a tricycles gas tank, which many of us rely on for transportation and supporting our families " he lamented.
Ben Asogwa, Chairman of TUC in the State emphasized that labor unions vehemently opposed subsidy removal when it was initially proposed. They recommended solutions such as reviving our refineries and promoting gas powered vehicles to reduce costs for individuals. Additionally they advocated for an increase, in wage.
Regrettably none of these suggestions were taken into consideration by the government. The sufferings we endure continue unabated " he added solemnly.
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