Labour Leaders Clash With Tinubu Over Controversial Fuel Subsidy Removal Comments

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has criticized the removal of fuel subsidies, claiming it has exacerbated challenges in the country.

NLC spokesperson Benson Upah voiced this stance while responding to President Bola Tinubu’s remarks during a Monday media chat at his Lagos residence.

During the interview, President Tinubu defended the removal of the subsidy, asserting that it was necessary to avert a national financial disaster. He stated, “We were spending our future and our generation’s fortunes without investing, deceiving ourselves in the process.”

However, in an interview with The Punch on Saturday, Upah countered the President’s claims, questioning whether the subsidy removal had resolved issues or compounded them. “Certainly no. He [the President] knows the truth. Has the removal solved the problem, or has it created more problems?” Upah asked.

NLC Applauds Dangote Refinery’s Fuel Price Adjustment

Meanwhile, the NLC commended Dangote Refinery for its recent decision to reduce fuel prices, calling it a much-needed economic relief for Nigerians.

In a press statement on Tuesday, Funmi Sessi, Chairperson of the NLC Lagos Council, highlighted the significance of this development amid the nation’s economic struggles. She expressed optimism that the price reduction would lower transportation costs, reduce the prices of goods and services, and provide relief to Nigerians burdened by the high cost of living.

Sessi emphasized that without Dangote Refinery, the government would remain heavily reliant on fuel imports. She noted that Dangote’s daily production of approximately 650,000 barrels significantly surpasses the combined output of 210,000 barrels from the Port Harcourt refinery and another refurbished facility, solidifying its critical role in the nation’s energy sector.