…By Lola Smith for TDPel Media.
Officials from the Federal Government, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) are scheduled to resume discussions today, focusing on measures to mitigate the impact of the removal of the petrol subsidy.
The aim is to adhere to the previously set eight-week timeline for concluding negotiations on this matter.
Formation of Presidential Steering Committee:
During the previous meeting, a Presidential Steering Committee was established to oversee technical sub-committees that would delve into various aspects of the petrol subsidy removal.
Led by Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, the government’s team agreed to address all labor demands within the given eight-week period.
Continuation of Negotiations and Sub-Committees:
The negotiations will continue with five sub-committees focusing on Cash Transfers, Social Investment Programme (SIP), Cost of Governance, Energy, Mass Transit, and Housing.
The forthcoming meeting will confirm the members of these sub-committees and define their working templates.
Cash Transfer Committee and Alternative Energy Options:
The Cash Transfer committee is expected to devise a strategy for increasing income from the government to support vulnerable Nigerians.
Additionally, an anonymous source revealed that the NLC plans to promote a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) revival process as an alternative energy option, moving away from oil reliance and alleviating the burden of fuel subsidy removal.
Anticipated Challenges and NLC’s CNG Revival Process:
Although the feasibility of completing the tasks within the eight-week timeline is uncertain, the anonymous source believes that the committees may request an extension to deliver benefits to Nigerians.
The NLC is determined to prioritize the revival of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in Nigeria, aiming to provide alternative provisions and break the cycle of exploitation and under-development by the ruling elites.
Partnerships and CNG Fair:
The NLC plans to organize a CNG fair in Nigeria, bringing together stakeholders such as car entities, research institutes, conversion kit manufacturers, technicians, and artisans for capacity training across the country.
Additionally, partnerships with energy providers are being established to create a distribution network for making gases readily available to Nigerians, ensuring a smooth transition to alternative energy sources.
Optimism for Positive Outcomes:
Nuhu Toro, the Secretary-General of TUC, expressed optimism regarding the presidential steering committee’s ability to generate ideas that would lead to fruitful outcomes based on the demands put forth by the TUC.
Conclusion:
The resumption of talks between the Federal Government and labor unions signifies an ongoing effort to address the challenges arising from the removal of the petrol subsidy.
The formation of sub-committees and the focus on alternative energy options demonstrate a commitment to finding solutions that benefit vulnerable Nigerians and promote long-term sustainability.