…By Dorcas Funmi for TDPel Media.
President Tinubu’s Agenda for Enhancing Living Conditions
In a recent meeting held in Abuja, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu emphasized his administration’s commitment to improving the living conditions of Nigerians.
He acknowledged the need to review the national minimum wage to align it with current realities.
Addressing the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), led by Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, Tinubu called for collaborative efforts between national and sub-national governments to address this issue.
President Tinubu’s Call for Positive Impact
During the meeting with the Progressive Governors Forum, President Tinubu urged the governors to leverage their positions to positively impact the lives of their constituents.
He expressed his dedication to working for the benefit of Nigerians and emphasized the importance of policies tailored to the needs of the people.
NLC Plans Nationwide Strike Against Fuel Subsidy Removal
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced its intention to initiate a nationwide strike starting on June 7, 2023.
This decision was made during an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held to discuss the recent increase in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol.
The NLC, representing various trade unions, strongly opposed the removal of fuel subsidy as announced by President Tinubu in his inaugural speech.
NLC’s Ultimatum to the Government
Following the emergency meeting, NLC President Joe Ajaero stated that the government, particularly the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, has until Wednesday of the following week to revert to the previous price of petrol.
Failure to comply with this ultimatum would result in the nationwide strike planned by the NLC.
NNPCL’s CEO Predicts Resolution of Fuel Scarcity
Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), provided insight into the fuel scarcity situation.
Kyari mentioned that the fuel queues witnessed across the country would not extend beyond Saturday.
He assured the public of sufficient petrol supply, with over 810 million litres available in depots, tanks, and fuel stations nationwide.
Kyari further revealed that the company’s total stock of petrol on land and in marine vessels amounted to about 1.8 billion litres.
Conclusion
The announcement of fuel subsidy removal by President Tinubu has led to widespread concerns among Nigerians.
While the government emphasizes its commitment to improving living conditions and addressing the national minimum wage, the NLC plans to take action through a nationwide strike.
Meanwhile, the CEO of the NNPCL assures the public that fuel scarcity issues will be resolved promptly, with significant petrol reserves already available.
The ongoing developments and reactions highlight the complexities surrounding fuel subsidy removal in Nigeria.