Following the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) one-week ultimatum issued to the federal government to retract the fuel subsidy removal and other policies termed as “anti-people,” CSOs in Nigeria have cautioned the NLC against taking strikes. They warned that the planned nationwide strike would only make things worse for Nigerians already struggling. The CSOs under the umbrella of the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations and Political Parties for Good Governance (COSOSAP) stated that the historic fuel subsidy regime, which has impeded national development and been the root of immense corruption, can no longer be maintained.
Dr. Lillian Ene Ogbole, national coordinator of COSOSAP, spoke at a press conference in Abuja, urging labour unions and other critics of the policy to exercise more patient and support the government in fostering an enabling environment that will enhance the living standards of millions of Nigerians. Dr. Ogmore emphasized that regardless of how the scenario is interpreted, Nigerians must be driven by the paramount national interest, which is the long-term security of our people as a unified nation.
Removing fuel subsidy is the only viable alternative for Nigeria.
She acknowledged that Nigerians demand and deserve a reduction in the fuel pump price; but, she yet again explained that the enormous volume of corruption associated with the fuel subsidy regime in Nigeria was too much for any economy to accommodate. Thus, it is reasonable to infer that doing away with the system of fuel subsidies is the one and only viable alternative for Nigeria in order to save the country from following the path of other failed states, such as Venezuela and Sri Lanka, among others.
This explained why the previous administration refused to appropriate funds for fuel subsidies in June 2023 and the following months, indicating its intention to eliminate the fuel subsidy scheme towards the end of its tenure. While recognising that the elimination of the fuel subsidy has caused immeasurable discomfort for Nigerians, at the same time, the COSOSAP national coordinator was optimistic that the measures being implemented by the Tinubu-led administration would provide relief to the country soon.
Nigerians should support the current administration.
The national coordinator thus urged Nigerians to be patient and understanding, noting that the country’s valiant fight to end the corrupt subsidy regime completely will enable robust open market operations and competitions in the country. “Patience, not pressure, encouragement, not fury, is what we need to exhibit to the administration”, she said. Dr. Ogbole also encouraged Nigerians to support the current administration all the way to weather out of the difficulties of making the switch from a fuel subsidy-regulated economy to one free from subsidies.
On the other hand, the CSOs applauded the president for declaring a state of emergency on food security in the country, with expectation that this will lead to a significant decrease in food prices and their eventual stability. They also urged significant players in the petroleum industry to abide by the rules and avoid engaging in any act which will derail the progress being made towards putting Nigeria’s economy on a road towards growth and prosperity.
Strike or protest would exacerbate Nigeria’s dire situation.
Government regulatory bodies were also urged to unequivocally disparage and penalize any company found importing substandard petroleum products into the country. The CSOs made it clear that the Nigeria Labour Congress cannot proceed with a nationwide strike or protest of any kind given that doing so would only exacerbate the country’s already dire situation. It explained that the menace of adversity can only be neutralized through common reasoning and collaborative effort to achieve growth and development.
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CSO caution NLC on planned strike effect. – Nationwide strike would only make things worse for struggling Nigerians. – Express your point of view.
I totally agree with the CSO’s caution to the NLC on the planned strike effect. I believe that a nationwide strike would only make things worse for struggling Nigerians.
While I understand the NLC’s concerns and their desire to fight for the rights of workers, a nationwide strike could have a negative impact on the economy and on ordinary Nigerians. It is important for the NLC to consider the potential impact of their actions and to work with the government and other stakeholders to find alternative solutions.
At the same time, it is important for the government to listen to the concerns of workers and to take steps to address their grievances. This includes ensuring that workers are paid a fair wage and have access to safe working conditions.
Fuel subsidy has already been removed. The hardship it has caused has been so enormous. If NLC wants to go on strike, it is within their right. Maybe by that, the government will be able to look for immediate measures to cushion the effects of the subsidy removal.
It will be better for NLC to hid to the advise of CSO because strikes can lead to economic losses, job insecurity, public inconvenience, social unrest, strained relationships, and long-term effects on industries and labor relations.
It’s essential to consider these potential dangers before deciding to go on strike and explore alternative methods of resolving conflicts or addressing issues through negotiations and dialogue whenever possible.
the entire state strike might negatively affect the economy and everyday Nigerians, according to NLC’s worries and determination to fight for workers’ rights. It is crucial that the NLC think about the effects of its decisions and collaborate with the government to discover ways to minimize people’s suffering.
This is a great advise giving to NLC by the CSO before embark on nationwide strike because it will still affect and add to the struggling of the people in which they are been already NLC is trying to fight for his members and is a good thing but the step about to be taken it should be addressed well first
Fuel subsidies were already removal. It has brought about such severe hardships on the people, The NLC want to go on strike in other to persuade the government to find something to the struggling we are facing in the country