Subsidy removal: NLC, TUC may declare indefinite strike Monday

ABUJA – The two umbrella labour organisations in the country, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) yesterday, threatened to launch indefinite strikes next week (Monday), if the federal government does not backtrack on a controversial measure that has doubled petrol prices.

The NLC and TUC, the country’s two main labour unions, had held meetings earlier in the day to work out strategy.

They directed that indefinite strike, mass rallies and street protests be held all over the country with effect from Monday 9th January, 2012 if the government fails to abide by their demand.

In a joint statement read to journalists by the NLC President, Abdulwaheed Omar, at the end of their meeting, the unions stated “After exhaustive deliberations and consultations with all sections of the populace, the NLC, TUC and their pro-people allies demand that the presidency immediately reverses fuel prices to 65 naira,” a statement signed by the heads of the two unions said.

“If the government fails to do so, they direct that indefinite general strikes, mass rallies and street protests be held across the country with effect from Monday, 9th January, 2012.”

Nigeria ended fuel subsidies on Sunday, which caused pump prices to more than double to about 140 naira.