Nigerian Union of Journalists
EKO HOT BLOG reports that the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) has issued a directive for its members to participate in the nationwide strike and protest organized by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) in response to the removal of fuel subsidy.
The announcement was made in a press statement signed by NUJ National Secretary, Shuaibu Usman Leman, and circulated to the press in Abuja.
The NLC had previously sent a letter to its 43 affiliate unions, including prominent organizations like the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), and the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), urging them to mobilize for a nationwide strike commencing on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, to protest against the removal of fuel subsidy.
In solidarity with the labor union’s cause, the NUJ has decided to join the planned action in order to advocate for the interests of the Nigerian population. The NUJ’s statement emphasized their support for the NLC’s stance, stating, “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.”
The NUJ Central Working Committee (CWC) highlighted concerns that the sudden removal of fuel subsidy may result in social unrest and protests, as citizens perceive the government as being insensitive to their plight. While acknowledging the potential benefits of redirecting subsidy funds towards infrastructure development and job creation, the NUJ expressed alarm over the significant increase in petroleum product prices and high inflation, which have considerably diminished the purchasing power of the populace.
Consequently, the CWC has instructed all state councils of the NUJ to mobilize their members, withdraw their services, and initiate nationwide protests starting on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, unless the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNCPL) reverses the newly implemented price regime in the oil sector.
The NUJ’s decision to actively participate in the strike and protest reflects the growing dissatisfaction among various sectors of Nigerian society over the removal of fuel subsidy and its socioeconomic consequences. As the nation braces itself for the upcoming nationwide action, the impact on the economy and public services remains uncertain.
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