In a bid to avert a looming crisis, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar, have called on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to reconsider their decision to embark on a strike following the removal of fuel subsidy.
The organized labour had set Tuesday, October3, as the date for an indefinite strike in protest of the fuel subsidy removal. However, both Tinubu and the Sultan have urged the workers to reconsider their stance and seek alternative means of resolving the issue.
During the Public Lecture and Special Juma'at prayer held to commemorate the country's63rd Independence Anniversary at the National Mosque in Abuja, President Tinubu, represented by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I Jibrin, appealed to the workers not to proceed with the strike.
He emphasized the commitment of his administration to mitigate the impact of the fuel subsidy removal, assuring the workers that measures would be put in place to alleviate their concerns.
"The Sultan has spoken about the issue of the strike by NLC. On behalf of His Excellency, the President, I also implore the workers to reconsider their decision," stated Senator Jibrin.
The call for the strike's cancellation comes amidst growing concerns over the potential disruption it could cause to the nation's economy and the welfare of its citizens. Both Tinubu and the Sultan believe that dialogue and negotiations should be pursued as a means of resolving the issue, rather than resorting to industrial action.
The removal of fuel subsidy has been a contentious issue, with arguments on both sides. While the government maintains that the subsidy removal is necessary to address economic challenges and redirect funds to critical sectors, the labour unions argue that it will lead to an increase in the cost of living for ordinary Nigerians.
As the scheduled date for the strike approaches, the nation waits with bated breath to see if the NLC and TUC will heed the call of President Tinubu and the Sultan to reconsider their course of action. The hope is that a peaceful resolution can be reached, ensuring the welfare of the Nigerian people while addressing the economic concerns of the nation.