Backlash Over Subsidy Pain: Labour Vows to Fight, ASUU and Protesters Slam Relief Plans”

The Nigerian Labour Congress stated that it is fully prepared to confront the economic difficulties and hardships arising from the Federal Government’s decision to remove the fuel subsidy. The outcry against this move grew stronger on Monday, as various groups, including university workers, protesters, and civil society organizations, expressed their condemnation of the subsidy removal and its associated suffering.

Chris Onyeka, the National Assistant Secretary of the NLC, declared that an important meeting of the Central Working Committee would take place on that day to address the plight of the masses due to the recent increase in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). He further asserted that the Federal Government would be given an ultimatum and warned that they are ready to fight back if necessary.

University workers, represented by the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities and the University of Lagos chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, voiced their distress over the unintelligent removal of the fuel subsidy. They pointed out that the removal has not brought about any positive changes and has instead resulted in significant hardships for Nigerians, leading some to extreme measures such as suicide.

In Benin City, Edo State, citizens staged a protest against the increasing hardships caused by the fuel subsidy removal, which has resulted in soaring fuel prices and the rising cost of goods and services. The Edo State Civil Society Organisations and other civil rights groups organized the protest, demanding that the Federal Government implement measures to alleviate the suffering of the poor masses.

The Trade Union Congress expressed skepticism about the state governments’ plans to offer palliatives to citizens to offset the effects of the fuel subsidy removal. They raised concerns about the lack of specificity in the governors’ plans and urged the government to implement transparent and accountable measures to alleviate the burdens faced by Nigerians. The TUC also rejected the proposed 7.5 percent Value Added Tax on diesel and called for policies to support the country’s exchange rate.