TUC Threatens Indefinite Nationwide Strike, Protest Over Petrol And Electricity Tariff Hike

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has decried the recent increase in fuel and electricity tariff, threatening industrial action and national protest from Wednesday, September 23, 2020.

In a letter signed by its President, Quadri Olaleye, and Secretary-General, Musa Lawal, and addressed to President Muhammadu Buhari, the Union appealed to the Federal Government to re­verse the policy in the interest of workers and Nigerians in general.

The union described the hike in the pump price of petrol and electricity tariff as unfavourable and unfortunate, and wondered why government would sudden­ly announce the increases without adequate consulta­tions and putting palliatives in place.

“We bring you warm greet­ings from the National Exec­utive Council of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), and write this letter to draw your Excellency’s atten­tion once again to earlier com­munication on the following salient issues.

“We have observed the gradual and steady annihila­tion of Nigeria and Nigerians in the light of government ac­tions for the umpteenth time. Some of the issues that have become worrisome to the working class, their families and the masses include:

“Sudden increase in petro­leum premium motor spirit (PMS) products pump price without any definitive and concrete efforts to make our refineries functional, which has a devastating multiplier effect on the working people and their families.

“Increase in electricity tariffs without proper con­sultation and consideration of the effect of COVID-19, commensurate electricity supply, non-provision of pre­paid meters and other biting economic realities.

“Non-implementation of the negotiated National Min­imum Wage by most of the state governments, and Fed­eral Government’s inability to create and sustain salary date and calendar to ensure transparency.

“Corruption in govern­ment agencies such as the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Nige­ria Centre for Disease Con­trol (NCDC) and the Federal Ministry of Health over fail­ure to explain and lack of transparency on how funds received in the fight against COVID-19 was spent, among others.

“Loss of jobs across the in­dustries, high cost of living and, businesses not moving in the light of the effects of COVID-19. Palliative that never got to those that need­ed them etc.

“The TUC at the just con­cluded meeting of its organs have thus resolved as follows: Government should take immediate steps to: reverse the hike in prices as it affects electricity, petrol and all other social services in the country to status quo ante (prior to increase) within seven days.

“Provide adequate and quality healthcare and educa­tion for all to save the poor and the vulnerable at all levels.

“Your Excellency, we can no longer bear the burden of these problems. These demands are made in good faith, and to save the dying masses and the vulnerable in our society. In the event of not showing empathy for this class of people by adhering to above demands, we shall, to­gether with our civil societies and allies sympathetic to the suffering masses of our peo­ple commence an indefinite industrial action and national protest from Wednesday, Sep­tember 23, 2020”.

KanyiDaily recalls that last week, students under the aegis of National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) had embarked on a nationwide protest over the recent increase in price of petrol and electricity in the country.