● TUC Kicks, Says Tinubu Cannot Unilaterally Remove Fuel Subsidy

The House Of Representatives on Tuesday, endorsed the decision of President Bola Tinubu to end fuel subsidy regime.

This is as the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has declared that the President cannot unilaterally take a decision on subsidy removal, without consultation, robust dialogue and stakeholders engagement

The Congress pointed out that there was a reason the immediate past administration of Muhammadu Buhari delayed the implementation of the “sensitive issue”.

The lower legislative chamber gave its backing on the removal of petrol subsidy on Tuesday, following a motion of urgent public importance by a member, Jimoh Olajide.

The House, however, appealed to Nigerians to be patient and prayerful to allow the President deliver on his promises.

In his inaugural speech on Monday in Abuja, Tinubu had declared the era of subsidy payment on fuel has ended, noting there was no provision for fuel subsidy in the 2023 Budget.

Besides, he stated that subsidy payment is no longer justifiable, adding his government would instead channel funds into infrastructure and other areas to strengthen the economy.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the Major Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) as well as Depot and Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN), have applauded and endorsed Tinubu’s pronouncement, phasing-out the petrol subsidy regime.

In a joint statement released today (Tuesday), the two associations, described the policy as “a direction that signals a courageous and pragmatic shift in our Nation’s economic trajectory.”

However, the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), in a statement jointly signed by its President, Festus Osifo; and Secretary General, Nuhu Toro, argued that the president cannot unilaterally take a decision on subsidy removal, pointing out that there was a reason the immediate past administration of Muhammadu Buhari pushed the “sensitive issue” to the new government.

The TUC said Tinubu should “tarry awhile to give room for robust dialogue and consultation and stakeholders engagement” before making any decision on the sensitive matter.

According to the TUC, there are a host of issues that need to be amicably considered and resolved before such a decision can be taken by the President.

The statement said: “Nigerian Workers and indeed masses must not be made to suffer the inefficiency of successive governments.”

“While listening to Tinubus’s Inaugural Address, we were at first encouraged, by his pledge to lead as a servant of the people (and not as a ruler) and to always consult and dialogue, especially on key and knotty national issues.

“But we were subsequently taken aback, even horrified, when he announced the withdrawal of subsidy on petroleum products, if by this, he means increases in pump price and the exploitation of the people by unregulated and exploitative deregulated prices, then it’s a joke taken too far.

“It is not for nothing the Buhari government pushed this to the new administration, but we expect the Tinubu government to be wise on such a sensitive issue and be more explicit in its pronouncement to avoid contradictory interpretation when comparing his written statement, what he said and the provision in 2023 appropriation act.

“We dare say that this is a very delicate issue that touches on the lives, if not very survival, of particularly the working people, hence ought to have been treated with utmost caution, and should have been preceded by robust dialogue and consultation with, the representatives of the working people, including professionals, market people, students and the poor masses.

“Accordingly, we hereby demand that President Tinubu should tarry awhile to give room for robust dialogue and consultation and stakeholders engagement, just as he opined in his speech until all issues and questions – and there are a host of them! – to ensure that they are amicably considered and resolved. Nigerian Workers and indeed masses must not be made to suffer the inefficiency of successive governments.”