The organized labour comprising Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and Trade Union Congress, TUC, in Kano State have joined their counterparts across the nation to stage a protest against fuel subsidy removal and other “anti-masses policies” by President Bola Tinubu.
DAILY NIGERIAN reports that the protesters converged on the Murtala Muhammad Library at Nassarawa GRA in the Kano metropolis and marched to the state government house, chanting anti-government slogans.
The protesters also carried placards containing different inscriptions such as: “August 22nd will forever be known as the day we resisted bulaba’s anti-people policies”, “we want N200,000 minimum wage”, “fuel subsidy shouldn’t be removed”, “FG shouldn’t dance to the tune of IMF and World Bank”, among others.
Our reporter observed that on reaching the government house, the state chairman of NLC, Kabir Inuwa, delivered his address to the mammoth crowd.
In his address, Mr Inuwa called on the Federal Government to reverse what he described as “all anti-poor policies”, including the recent hike in price of petroleum.
The unions also urged the federal government to immediately commence the repair of Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna refineries.
Mr Inuwa said: “The government should release 8 months withheld salaries of university lecturers and workers as well as reverse all tuition fee hike in universities and tertiary institutions.
“The government should put a stop to inhuman actions and policies of government,” he said.
“Nigerians were shocked when the newly sworn in President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief Ahmed Bola Tinubu on May 29, 2023, at the Eagle Square, Abuja, announced the removal of subsidy even when subsidy was provided for in the budget till the end of June 2023. At that occasion, he said “Subsidy is gone”.
“This was in clear violation of the Appropriation Act and tantamount to a mob action against the Nigerian people.
“Although some Nigerians thought little of what Mr. President had done, outrage was near unanimous when NNPC announced new pump prices of petroleum motor spirit (pms) a few days later which ranged from N482 to N580 depending on the location, as a consequence of the removal of subsidy.
“Despite the increase in fuel prices, the electricity distribution companies also announced a 40 percent tentative electricity tariff increase. In reaction the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), swiftly responded by saying this would further cripple their businesses as extant losses already represent 2 per cent of the GDP.
“Furthermore, MAN made it known that in 2021, it spent over N70 billion on alternative power sources. In 2022, the cost doubled that,” the NLC Chairman added.
“The consequence of these thoughtless increases has been soaring cost of food items, transportation, housing and other basic necessities.
“In some instances, prices have risen as much as 300%, yet no commensurate increase in salaries or wages and credible social protection provision for workers and poor citizens. There was national outcry and anger.
“Given the horrendous impact on workers and the Nigerian people, the NLC was so concerned that it issued a notice of strike and protest on 2nd June, 2023.
“However, when Government invited Congress for a discussion, we obliged. It should be noted that the government acted in bad faith by securing a restraining order against the strike while we were holding discussions in the villa. Notwithstanding, the NLC and TUC secured a memorandum of understanding on the following.
“The Federal Government, the TUC and the NLC to establish a joint committee to review the proposal for any wage increase or award and establish a framework and timeline for implementation.
“The Federal Government, the TUC and the NLC to review World Bank financed-cash transfer scheme and propose inclusion of low-income earners in the programme.
“The Federal Government, the TUC and the NLC to revive the CNG conversation program earlier agreed with Labour centers in 2021 and work out detailed implementation and timing,” he added.
Responding, the Kano State government, represented by Dr Baffa Bichi, Secretary to the State Government, SSG, said the state government was not in any dispute with the NLC.
While receiving a letter from the organised labour on behalf of Governor Abba Yusuf for onward presentation to Mr Tinubu, the SSG said: “We are living in peace and harmony with the NLC.”
According to Mr Bichi, the state government, under the stewardship of Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf would put mechanisms in place towards ameliorating the impact of the hardship, occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy.
“Our government would also continue to give utmost priority to the welfare of workers in our state,” he said.
