The countdown to the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) strike has begun, as the leadership of the union are insisting that come Wednesday, all the industrial unions will force their colleagues to down tools.
Speaking on Sunday, the Vice President of the NLC, Mr Amechi Asugwuni, warned that it was ready to commence the strike unless the federal government reverses the pump price of petrol to N86.50k.
When asked if they have established talks with the government, he replied; “Not at all, there is no change of gear, our strike will begin on Wednesday.”
However, the position of the NLC is at variance with that of PENGASSAN and NUPENG, who claim that government consulted all the labour unions before putting the cap of 145 Naira per litre.
The two unions may not support Wednesday’s proposed strike as they have accused the NLC of making a U-turn.
The Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr Ibe Kachikwu, last Wednesday, addressed the media at the Presidential Villa where he announced the new pump price regime and also an opening of importation to independent marketers and any Nigerian entity.
The Nigerian government has expressed optimism that the new price band would lead to improved supply and competition expected to eventually drive down pump prices, as experienced with diesel.
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