The Trade Union Congress on Saturday gave the Federal Government conditions that must be met before fuel subsidies can be removed.
Daily Report Nigeria recalls that in December 2021, the Federal Government hinted that it may end the payment of fuel subsidy in June, but the move has been opposed in several quarters.
At the end of its National Executive Council, the TUC in a communique said the government must ensure that all local refineries are operational before such a move is implemented.
While highlighting the “worrisome economic situation and the rising cost of living in the country”, the TUC said both federal and state governments should put in place measures to ensure “food security and infrastructural development.”
It directed its state councils and affiliates to prepare for “industrial actions” if the government goes ahead with its removal plans without meeting the conditions.
“The Proposal by National Council of State on the final removal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) as from June 2022 should take into consideration the attendant economic impact on the masses,” the TUC communique, signed by its President Quadri Olaleye and Secretary-General Musa-Lawal Ozigi, said.
“There must be assurances that refineries are fully overhauled and establishment of modular refineries encouraged.”
The TUC also noted that effective policies must be implemented on Nation borders to fight the smuggling of petroleum products.
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