Harsh Policies: CSOs Caution NLC Against Planned Nationwide Strike Action

CSOs Caution NLC  Against Planned Nationwide Strike Action 

... Say Strike Will Compound Hardship Faced by Nigerians 

Northern based Coalition of Civil Society Organisations today cautioned Nigeria Labour Congress against  planned indefinite nationwide strike action in view of the long term gains of fuel subsidy removal by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led administration. 

In a recent development, NLC gave the Federal Government a seven-day ultimatum to reverse all perceived anti-poor policies, including the recent hike in the pump price of petrol, or face an indefinite nationwide strike from August 2.

Consequently, NLC directed all affiliates   to commence mobilisation of workers and civil society allies for a mass protest across Nigeria . 

But the  Coalition disagree with NLC's decision  , saying that any form of nationwide strike by the labour unions now, will not only compound  current economic hardship faced by the masses ,but also counter productive and  catalyst for impending chaos. 

The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in a statement jointly signed by the Chairman  and Secretary, Comrade Muhammad Usman  Ali and Comrade Markus Bulus appealed to Nigeria Labour Congress to rather call for an emergency meeting with the Federal Government to discuss and resolve areas of concerns on the issues of fuel subsidy removal and other perceived harsh government policies affecting the Nigeria workers. 

The statement further reads : "We believe the Tinubu led government has demonstrated that it can listen to plights of labour unions and should he government fail to meet demands after the meeting, NLC is free to embark on planned long-lasting strike and mass protest. 

"But we  want to remind NLC that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is just 57 days in office as President. And with the collosal damages done to economy by previous leaders ,which are beyond imagination , he needs some time correct them . 

"On the hand ,we urge NLC to work together with the FG to ensure that monies saved from subsidy removal are monitored and judiciously used to better lots of workers and Nigerians instead threats of strike."

While defending  the removal of subsidy , the Coalition asked  NLC to  consider that removal of subsidy has stopped smuggling of petroleum products; stopped payment of homongous amount money to fraudulent business men  and made products  available at filling stations . 

It also said removal of subsidy will ensure private sector participation in the importation of petroleum products; ensure the ready availability of petrol at all times for all Nigerians with no diversion by marketers and  curb the greed for higher profits and sabotage by a few players in the oil industry which will positively affect the

economy. 

"We hope that soon the competition in the industry and market forces will drive

down the price of petrol in the long run

as witnessed in the telecoms sector for

the benefit of Nigerians;  permanently banish queues from petrol stations." It added . 

However ,the Coalition Commended  President Tinubu for bolds steps taken  so far  to change course of governance in the country .