The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has given the Federal Government a two-week ultimatum to finalize negotiations or face potential worker protests.
TUC has expressed concerns about the prolonged hardships faced by both workers and the general public due to the fuel subsidy removal. Should tangible outcomes not be reached by August 19, the TUC stated that it will take further action to safeguard its members and the masses.
TUC President, Festus Osifo, revealed that technical committees have been established to address critical areas, including cash transfers, intervention funds, cost of governance reduction, energy and power development (exploring compressed Natural Gas, CNG as an alternative to PMS), and refinery enhancements. Additionally, committees have been formed to address issues in education, healthcare, and mass transit.
TUC further emphasizes the urgency for the government to expedite processes and implement practical solutions to alleviate the hardships experienced by Nigerians.
“Government gave a timeline of eight weeks, beginning from June 19, and if you do your calculation, eight weeks is going to end by August 19. So, far we have stayed for more than one month and we felt that we are not going at the speed we anticipated we want the government to fast tract action to ensure that between now and the next two weeks all the committees must have submitted their report so that the Presidential Steering Committee can conclude its work immediately because we cannot continue to blow big, big grammar while Nigerians are suffering and people are trekking long distances to work.”
The TUC president said the elected leaders will need to show examples in view of the harsh economic conditions the facing country.
Osifo cited the case of the proposed N40 billion and N70 billion meant for the purchase of vehicles for National Assembly members and their welfare package, saying “This is one of those things we feel that as TUC we must bring to the limelight and do everything possible to ensure government listens to us and that government fast track. TUC is ready to meet even at midnight and at weekends.
