NLC Condemns Naira Notes, Fuel Scarcity, Says Hardship May Affect Forthcoming Elections

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Tuesday , condemned the current new naira notes and fuel scarcity in the country , saying that the hardship must be addressed immediately by the federal government to pave way for peaceful elections in the coming weeks.

Outgoing National President of NLC ,Comrade Ayuba Wabba stated this in Abuja during the 13th Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Delegates Conference with theme “Building People’s Power ,National Unity And  Quest For A New Social Contract .

Wabba who frowned at the policy on fuel importation which is the pricing model added that some of the policies established by government have made Dual Purpose Kerosine (DPK) also known as  kerosine to be out of circulation for the common man  to afford.

Wabba described subsidy as an additional cost to business, insisting that the refineries across the country must be fixed and importation of fuel stopped.

He also urged the government to engage youths from the Niger Delta region on the need to produce locally refined  diesel .

He also lamented that privatisation policies of government in Nigeria has failed,  calling on the government to revamp the Ajaokuta steel thus improve the public service,  power sector to enable Nigerians gain employment from the harsh economy .

He said that members strength of the  union has risen to  8millon  with three new unions recently inducted,   totally 53 currently.

He said the NLC will continue to liberate the struggle of workers in Nigeria pointing out that the rate of medical tourism in the country was alarming ,urging the government to improve on the health sector.

Wabba also lampooned three states government in Nigeria , namely Abia , Adamawa and Zamfara for failing to implement the 30% minimum wage policy.

The NLC  National Delegate Conference has in attendance,the Vice President, Prof.Yemi Osibanjo, Minister of Labour and Productivity ,Chris Ngige ,former Labour Minister , Michael Wogu, former NLC President, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole amongst many.

By Roland Ekama