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NLC Reacts To Suspension Of Petrol Subsidy Removal

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Blackout, Naira Scarcity Loom As Electricity, Bank Workers, Others Join Labour Strike
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The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has mocked the suspension of fuel subsidy removal by the Muhammadu Buhari Government.

On Monday, the Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed, disclosed that there won’t be fuel subsidy removal anytime soon due to perceived difficulties associated with it.

Ahmed made this known during a meeting with the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan and other principal officers of the Senate in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

She asserted that the federal government initially had plans to remove the subsidy in July, after which provisions were made in the 2022 budget to cushion the effect but noted that the timing has become a huge challenge.

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The minister further stated that the decision can not be taken until some steps are taken to protect the interest of Nigerians.

During an appearance on Channels Television on Tuesday, NLC Deputy President, Joe Ajaero, said the union will still go ahead with its planned nationwide rally on Thursday, January 27.

The NLC Deputy President said the union will not be deceived by the suspension of the fuel subsidy removal, asking the government to fix the refineries in the country.

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Ajaero disclosed that the rally is aimed at sensitising Nigerians and members of the NLC on the perennial increase in the pump price of petrol and other refined petroleum products.

The NLC official added that the idea of fuel subsidy is a hoax that the government is using to inflict more suffering on Nigerians.

He said: “NLC is still standing on its position. The Federal Government didn’t say they have abolished it, they are postponing the evil day.

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“What we are doing is sensitisation of Nigerians on this fuel subsidy removal or so-called increase in the pump price of petroleum products.

“The NLC is sensitising Nigerians that this is not sustainable; that the idea of fuel subsidy is a hoax which they are using to inflict pains on Nigerians.

“So, our planned rally stands. On the 27th of January 2022, we rally nationwide, including the FCT.

“We need to put our foot soldiers at alert on any eventual action on this issue of increase in the pump price of petroleum products from the current price to over N300 per litre.