The Deputy Chairman, of the Lagos State chapter of the Trade Union Congress, Comrade Idogen Emmanuel, said the realization that neighboring countries were benefiting immensely from Nigeria’s subsidized fuel informed the decision to shelve the planned strike of the congress.
While noting that the fuel subsidy regime threatened the survival of the country, he added that marketers were feeding fat on it and smiling to the bank.
Speaking to journalists in Benin at the weekend, Emmanuel said while the removal of the fuel subsidy was painful, the nation cannot continue to subsidize fuel for citizens of Cameroun, Benin Republic, Togo, Ghana, and Senegal.
Emmanuel. however, urged the government to take a holistic approach to cushion the removal of the subsidy.
He said, “Initially, the union did not believe that there is anything like subsidy, but after finding out that petroleum marketers take the products to African countries like Cameroon, Benin Republic, Togo, Ghana, and up to Senegal and make more money, the union decided to back down.
“The government should consider holistic measures such as the provision of mass transit buses, as well as plowing funds into education, health, and agriculture sectors to boost learning, well-being, and food sufficiency in the country.
He observed that the Nigeria Labour Congress, in calling out workers for the suspended strike action did not follow due process, as it ought to have given the government mandatory 14 days strike notice including three days warning strike.
