The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to resist any pressure to remove fuel subsidy and thereby increase the price of fuel.
NLC president, Ayuba Wabba, made the plea while speaking at the commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the death of foremost labour leader, Comrade Chima Ubani.
Wabba stated the call became necessary following the recent statement by the minister of state for petroleum, Ibe Kachikwu, that the government may begin gradual removal of fuel subsidy.
He said, “President Muhammadu Buhari is on record to have stated that he does not believe that there was any subsidy on petroleum products, or that ordinary Nigerians can afford increased prices for petroleum products and that he is yet to be convinced by any existing literature on removal of subsidy on petroleum products.”
“At the Senate, the minister talked about gradual removal strategy which he stated would begin with the return to the pump price of N97 per litre from the current N87. “
“Now that the Buhari government may have, through Ibe Kachikwu, sent the message to Nigerians on the path it wishes to take on the issue of petroleum subsidy, Congress will meet in its relevant organs, hold consultations with civil society and other organizations and professional bodies and carry out the instructions as we will be mandated.”