Subsidy: NUJ threatens to withdraw services, join NLC protest

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has directed its members to withdraw their services and commence protests nationwide from Wednesday if the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNCPL) refuses to reverse the new price regime in the oil sector.

According to a statement by the National Secretary of the NUJ, Shuaibu Usman Leman, the decision was reached after an online emergency Central Working Committee meeting of the Union on Saturday.

The meeting, he said, was convened to discuss issues surrounding the decision by the Federal Government to remove fuel subsidy and the position taken by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

Leman noted that after presentations by the NUJ 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 labour union on the issue.

Recall that the NLC had after a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja on Friday, declared a nationwide strike from Wednesday if the NNPCL fail to revert to the old petrol price.

In its declaration of solidarity with the NLC, the NUJ statement partly read, “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.

“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 mobilise members to withdraw their services and commence protests nationwide from Wednesday next week, 7th June 2023, if the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNCPL) refuses to reverse the new price regime in the oil sector.”