The withdrawal of the fuel subsidy, which led to an increase in gasoline prices statewide, has prevented the Nigeria Labour Congress from going on the scheduled nationwide strike, according to the National Industrial Court of Nigeria.
It requested that the strike be put an end in a lawsuit with the charge number NICN/ABJ/158/2023 between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).
“I have read the supporting affidavit, the exhibits the FGN brought, and the written addresses of the counsels. Having considered the application, I hereby order as follows; the motion is granted as prayed,” an address by the court judge as received by Sahara Reporters on Monday said.
Meanwhile, the NLC, in a communique signed by its President Comrade Joe Ajaero had listed out reasons why it was embarking on a nationwide strike.
“The NEC-in-session considered the huge suffering pervading the nation, the outrage expressed by the majority, and the increased attendant fears of the consequences of the PMS price hike unanimously condemned the actions of the federal government and reached the following conclusions:
“1. That it was unlawful for the federal government to have announced the withdrawal of the Subsidy on PMS. 2. That the 2023 Appropriation Act made provisions for the funding of the subsidy regime on PMS till the end of June 2023. 3. That it is unfair for the government to knowingly take action that will inflict pain on the populace and workers without putting adequate safeguards in place.
“4. That discussions were already on an understanding reached with the government on the conditions precedent before the withdrawal of subsidy on PMS.
5. That the Local refineries especially the publicly owned four have remained comatose as a result of the government’s inability to get them operationally turned around.
6. That we cannot accept any Petroleum Product Price increase until products are refined locally.
“7. That federal government’s decision was unilateral and therefore runs counter to the spirit of national consensus and Social Dialogue.”
