FG to Labour: Strike can only bring more hardship to ordinary Nigerians
- The Nigerian government is still taking time to explain to Nigerians why the pump price of petrol was increased
- This is also as labour unions plan to commence an industrial strike on Monday, September 28
- The minister of information and culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, says strike will only bring hardship to the people
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The Nigerian government has stated that the recent increase in electricity and fuel prices will benefit ordinary Nigerians in the long-run.
Minister of information and culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, made the comment when he met with online publishers in Lagos on Saturday, September 26.
He also appealed to the Nigeria Labour Congress to shelve its industrial action planned for Monday, September 28, saying strike can only bring more hardship to ordinary Nigerians.
Source: Twitter
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His words:
“Ordinary citizens are not the beneficiaries of the subsidy on petroleum products that has lasted for years
“Between 2006 and 2019, a total of 10.4 trillion Naira was spent on fuel subsidy, most of which went to fat cats who either collected subsidy for products they didn't import or diverted the products to neighbouring countries, where prices are much higher.”
The minister also argued that despite the increase, Nigerians still pay less for fuel, compared to neighbouring countries.
On electricity, Alhaji Mohammed said the hike will lead to increased quality in the supply of power, noting that the government cannot sustain its subsidy to the sector.
Again, he stressed that Nigerians still pay less for electricity, compared to people in neighbouring countries.
Meanwhile, the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) have alleged that the planned mass action by the Nigerian Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress over the increase in fuel price and removal of subsidy is only for selfish, political reasons and not in the interest of Nigerians.
The council alleged that top officials of the union have already been compromised and induced opposition elements to frustrate reforms in the petroleum sector and score political points.
Solomon Adodo, president NYCN, while addressing a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, September 24, said the labour unions are only being unpatriotic and hypocritical in their move and consequently misleading Nigerians.
Nigerians storm Abuja to protest fuel hike | Legit TV
Source: Legit.ng
