The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has said it will withstand any attempt by the federal government to increase the price of fuel.

NLC President Ayuba Wabba who provided the warning, stated that the organized increase in the rate of gas will send out lots of Nigerians to “early graves”.

Recall that there are speculations that the federal government might increase the price of fuel to N302 per litre in February if the recommendation of the ad hoc committee of the National Economic Council (NEC) is implemented.

Minister of finance, spending plan and nationwide preparation, Zainab Ahmed in October stated the federal government would only cater for subsidy on petrol in the first six months of 2022 as it prepared to deregulate the downstream oil and gas sector.

The announcement stimulated reactions among Nigerians, with the NLC threatening to start strike if the federal government goes ahead with the plan.

Speaking on the development on Thursday, Ayuba, in an interview on Channels Television, insisted that labour unions will resist the proposed walking.

“In 2016, they promised minimum wage will be carried out and everybody will be paid. As I speak to you, six states have not even begun. It becomes part of the agreement,” he stated.

“About the palliative in 2016, we likewise talked about palliative. N500 billion was earmarked for palliative, consisting of housing and the concern of transport. These things are not in location.

“Therefore, it surpasses pledge. It is now about taking a look at the issue and significantly, the entire world is now in an extremely precarious scenario. Numerous employees have lost their tasks, those on repaired incomes their wages can not take them home– that is the truth.

“In this complicated problem, if we intensify it with the cost walking of PMS, it then suggests that many people will go to their graves early. It is better we try to also withstand the concern and ensure people are safe.”

Speaking further, Ayuba stated Nigeria has every reason not to import refined fuel products, including that the country has 4 refineries that need to be functional.

“We have every factor not to import refined products. We have four refineries that are moribund. Those refineries are brand-new; they are not old,” he said.

“In India, we have a refinery that is 100 years of ages. Refineries can be refurbished. Refineries can be updated from one refining capability to another. This can be done.

“Those refineries are not old. Deliberately, they are made not to work even if there are a great deal of incentives.”

ToriNG