The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared that it will stage a nationwide protest on August 2 (today) to express its dissatisfaction with the policies of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration, especially the removal of fuel subsidy. The protest will start at 7:30 am across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Newsflash Nigeria reports that the labour union said that workers and civil society organisations would gather at the Unity Fountain Abuja to kick off the protest, while the state chapters would also commence their own demonstrations simultaneously.
The NLC Head of Information, Comrade Benson Upah, told journalists that the NLC’s affiliate unions have mobilised their members and are ready for the protest.
Upah also said that the relevant security agencies have been informed and are expected to provide security for Nigerians during the protest, adding that the international community is watching how the federal government treats its citizens.
“We have consolidated on our arrangement, and the fillers we are getting is that Nigerians are ready to be on the street to express their feelings and outrage over the harsh economic situation in the country,” Upah stated.
The NLC also took to its Twitter handle on Tuesday to reaffirm its resolve for the street action, saying, “Tomorrow End, Nationwide our voice must be heard.”
Other posts of the Congress read, “So there is no plan to revive our refineries or to build a new one? That means the poor would be left to suffocate with a monopolized refinery and ever increasing price of petrol. Saved one trillion naira from the two times increase in the price of petrol, which was inflicted on the poor. Nothing was saved from any reduction in the cost of governance and jumbo allowances by politicians.”
The protest is aimed at putting pressure on the government to reverse its decision to remove fuel subsidy, which has led to an increase in the price of petrol and other commodities.
The NLC also wants the government to revive the nation’s refineries or build new ones, instead of relying on imported fuel. The labour union believes that these measures would alleviate the suffering of Nigerians and improve the economy.
The removal of fuel subsidy is a controversial issue in Nigeria. Supporters of the policy argue that it is necessary to reduce government spending and to make the oil sector more efficient. Opponents of the policy argue that it will lead to higher prices for gasoline and other goods and services, and that it will disproportionately impact the poor.
The NLC’s protest is a significant show of opposition to the government’s decision to remove fuel subsidy. The outcome of the protest remains to be seen, but it is likely to have a major impact on the government’s economic policies.
