The Central Working Committee (CWC) of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has directed all State Councils of the Union to mobilize 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.
This was the resolution reached at the end of an emergency CWC meeting which was convened online on Saturday to discuss issues surrounding the decision by the Federal Government to remove Fuel Subsidies and the position taken by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
A statement by the National Secretary, NUJ, Comrade Shuaibu Usman Leman, Walin Shadalafiya said after presentations by the 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 NLC on the issue.
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 unrest and protests as people may perceive Government as being insensitive to their plight.
The 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.
