The Senate on Monday directed its leadership to meet with
the Federal Government and the Nigeria Labour Congress to avert the impending
nationwide strike action.
The NLC had given the Federal Government an ultimatum to
rescind the fuel subsidy removal or face a nationwide strike beginning from
Wednesday, August 2, 2023.
The Labour body is currently mobilising its affiliate unions
to ensure that the industrial action is successful and total.
The resolution of the Senate followed a motion titled:
“Urgent need to avert impending nationwide strike being called by the Nigeria
Labour Congress over the removal of fuel subsidy” sponsored by Senator Sulaiman
Kawu (NNPP-Kano South).
Kawu in his lead debate insisted that the strike would have
a devastating effect on the nation’s economy if allowed to hold.
Senators Isah Jibrin, Seriake Dickson, and Solomon Adeola
supported the motion.
They called on the NLC to shelve the proposed strike and
allow the palliatives being planned by the Federal Government to ameliorate the
suffering of the people.
Isah Jibrin (APC, Kogi East), said, “The motion is timely
and every reasonable Nigerian would not want us to go on strike again.
“A strike usually has intended and unintended consequences
both on the rich and the poor. Appeal to labour unions to shelve the strike.”
Dickson also said, “We must commend the President for having
the courage to remove the fuel subsidy.
“The economic situation as a result of the removal has
brought untold hardship on the people.
“Therefore, the need for more palliatives other than the
N500billion already unveiled by the Federal Government.“
Also, Senator Solomon pleaded with the NLC to give more time
to the presidency as some pro-people policies like palliatives, and increased
minimum wage were also in the pipeline.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio called on local government
areas and state governments to work together to ameliorate the sufferings of
the people. We cannot continue to use 98 per cent of our revenue to service
fuel subsidy.
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