By Emmanuel Elebeke

The Nigerian Union of Journalists has rejected the sudden removal of subsidy by the federal government and directed its members to commence industrial action from Wednesday 7th June, 2023 if the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNCPL) fails to reverse the newly increased pump price of petroleum.

In a release, which was signed by the National Secretary, Shuaibu Usman Leman, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ at an emergency Central Working Committee meeting of the Union on Saturday, June 3, 2023, discussed issues surrounding the decision by the Federal Government to remove Fuel Subsidy and the position taken by the Nigeria Labour Congress.

“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 channelled 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.

“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.

“Accordingly CWC directs all State Councils of the Union to mobilise 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”.