The Nigeria Labour Congress has announced its plan to initiate a countrywide strike commencing next Wednesday. The congress has stated that this strike will be carried out if the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited does not undo the recent increase in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit. This decision was made during an emergency National Executive Council meeting held in Abuja on Friday.
President Bola Tinubu during his inaugural speech, declared the elimination of fuel subsidy, stating “Subsidy is no longer in effect.” However, the President’s spokespersons from the state house released statements claiming that certain sections of the media had misquoted the new president.
Following President Tinubu’s announcement, there was a surge in panic buying, prompting certain fuel stations nationwide to set the petrol pump price as high as N600 per litre. On May 31, 2023, the NNPCL released new state-specific pump prices.
A group of government representatives engaged in discussions with NLC officials, but unfortunately, the meeting reached an impasse. Nevertheless, during the NEC meeting on Friday, the national president of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, addressed the media and announced that the NLC NEC has instructed all state councils and industrial unions to initiate mobilization efforts starting immediately.
