In a move that has left Nigerians reeling from the pain of skyrocketing fuel prices, the Federal Government's decision to remove fuel subsidies has led to a heated debate between the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC). The NLC has announced plans for a nationwide strike starting next week if the price hike is not reversed, while the TUC has put its decision on hold pending a meeting with the government.
The NLC expressed its discontent with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), accusing it of unilaterally raising fuel prices by over 220 percent. NLC President Joe Ajaero warned that if the price increase is not reversed before next week Tuesday, the NLC and its affiliates will proceed with protests and withdraw their services. The NLC has already begun mobilizing its affiliate unions and state councils to ensure widespread compliance.
To ensure a total shutdown, the NLC has instructed the aviation sector to cease operations on Tuesday night, while PENGASSAN plans to close the export terminal of upstream operations and NUPENG intends to immobilize petrol tankers across the country. Motor parks will also be affected as members of the NURTW are expected to join the strike.
In contrast, the TUC's President, Festus Osifo, revealed that the union's decision on a strike would depend on the outcome of a meeting with the government's team. The TUC has empowered its National Administrative Council (NAC) to present its Charter of Demands at the meeting, without disclosing the specific demands contained within it.
Meanwhile, the Progressive Governors' Forum (PGF) has expressed support for the government's decision to remove fuel subsidies. The state governors, affiliated with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), held a meeting with President Tinubu, during which they raised concerns about the sudden hike in petrol prices. The PGF Chairman, Hope Uzodinma, condemned the price increase on existing stock but urged Nigerians to rally behind the government, stating that the decision was made under the National Economic Council led by former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
In response to the removal of subsidies, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) announced the end of the equalisation scheme for petroleum products after nearly 48 years. The NMDPRA's Chief Executive, Farouk Ahmed, stated that under the new liberalized market, prices would be determined by market forces rather than being fixed by the regulator. He assured that the NMDPRA and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) would closely monitor downstream activities to prevent profiteering.
The removal of fuel subsidies has sparked mixed reactions among experts and civil society organizations. Olorogun Bernard Okumagba, a member of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Governing Board, supported the removal, emphasizing the need to redirect funds to public infrastructure, education, healthcare, and job creation. However, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, Head of Transparency International-Nigeria and Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), called on the government to address subsidy fraud by fixing local refineries and implement measures to mitigate the impact on vulnerable Nigerians.
As tensions rise, all eyes are now on the upcoming meeting between the TUC and the government's team to determine the course of action and the potential consequences of the fuel subsidy removal in Nigeria.
