Following the declaration of industrial action by the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC concerning the removal of subsidies by the federal government, the Nigerian Union of Journalists directed its members to support the NLC in its protest. This was declared by the NUJ body in a press statement by its National Secretary, Shuaibu Usman Leman, which was made available to newsmen in Abuja saying the central Working Committee of the Union deliberated on the issues and has found the NLCs position and proposed action as worthy in the interest of general Nigerian citizens.
The statement partly reads; “After presentations by the National President, Chris Isiguzo, and the National Treasurer, Bamidele Atunbi on the position taken by NLC on the matter, members unanimously adopted the position of NLC on the issue.
“CWC reiterates the argument that although the removal of fuel subsidy will free allocations which can be channeled to the provisions of infrastructure and creation of additional jobs, the sudden removal could, however, lead to social unrests and protests as people may perceive Government as being insensitive to their plight.
it added, “CWC also notes that already there is an astronomical increase in the prices of petroleum products and high inflation which have drastically reduced the purchasing power of citizens.”
“Accordingly CWC directs all state councils of the Union to mobilize members to withdraw their services and commence protests nationwide from Wednesday next week, 7th June 2023, if the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limiter (NNCPL) refuses to reverse the new price regime in the Oil sector.”
