The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and Labour Centre has advised the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) against going ahead with their planned industrial action proposed to commence Wednesday August 3, 2023.

The Coalition pleaded for understanding, saying an industrial action would only add to the suffering of the citizens.

The CSOs made the call at a press conference addressed by the leaders of the Coalition in Lagos on Tuesday, August 1, 2023.

The CSOs said the removal of fuel subsidy was in the interest of Nigeria and Nigerians, noting that the money saved would be used to take care of many amenities, which they said would lead Nigeria to be a better country

They noted that the Federal Government and Lagos State Government had already initiated palliatives measures to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal, just as they urged other state governments and local governments to follow suit.

They also promised to volunteer to assist the government in the distribution of the palliatives to ensure they get to the vulnerable Nigerians.

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The Coalition said the removal of fuel subsidy was necessary and inevitable to save Nigeria from economic comatose.

The CSOs said: “The humongous funds $30 billion dollars being expended on fuel subsidy amounts to a rip off of the Nigerian people.

“That the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration should be commended for the bold economic decision of removing fuel subsidy in the collective interest of the Nigerian people in the long run.

“It’s a fact that Nigerians are going through economic hardship as a result of this policy, but they must show understanding with the mindset that the pains they are presently going through is the temporary sacrifice that they have to make for a better future.

“We acknowledge that in less than two months after the removal of fuel subsidy, Nigeria has started reaping the gains in terms of savings of about one trillion naira to the national coffers which could have been frittered away the palliatives put in place to soothe the temporary pains being experienced as a result of the removal of fuel subsidy must be monitored by civil society organizations to enhance transparency and accountability.

“We call for patience and understanding from Nigerians to be patient and persevere, our leaders at all levels of government must also cut down on the cost of governance.”

The Star