Coalition of Northern Groups Stand Against NLC Over Subsidy

EKO HOT BLOG reports that the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has expressed its opposition to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) regarding the removal of fuel subsidy by the federal government. In response to the recent increase in petroleum prices, the CNG criticized what it referred to as the deceptive actions of the NLC.

On Wednesday, the federal government announced the removal of fuel subsidy, leading to a significant hike in the price of petroleum from N195 per litre to N540 per litre. The spokesperson for the CNG, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, issued a statement on Thursday, highlighting the group’s concerns about the NLC’s approach to addressing the issue.

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The CNG claimed that the NLC has a history of deceiving the public by initially appearing to protect the interests of the masses but ultimately compromising and negotiating with the government. The group cited previous instances such as the NLC protests against the economic policies of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration in February 2017, which ended without achieving any tangible results.

Another example mentioned by the CNG was the September 2018 strike, which was similarly terminated after the NLC engaged in negotiations with government officials, leading to what the CNG perceived as a compromised outcome.

The CNG criticized the October 2020 organized labor plan to shut down the economy in protest against the increase in the pump price of petrol and electricity tariffs. According to the group, the strike was called off at the last minute following a meeting between government officials and labor leaders in Abuja.

Expressing its disappointment, the CNG referred to a strongly worded letter it had sent to the former President of the NLC, Ayuba Wabba, on October 6, 2021. In the letter, the CNG expressed its dissatisfaction with the labour leadership for suspending an action intended to address the arbitrary hike in fuel prices by the Buhari administration.

The CNG demanded an explanation from the NLC regarding its role during the budget preparation, presentation, and defense processes carried out by former President Muhammadu Buhari’s government and passed by the 9th National Assembly without provisions for subsidy.

As the debate over the removal of fuel subsidy continues, the opposition expressed by the CNG underscores the ongoing tensions and concerns surrounding the government’s decision and the NLC’s response.

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The stance taken by the CNG represents the dissatisfaction of a significant group within the northern region of Nigeria, further adding to the complexities surrounding the issue.

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