The Nigeria Union of Journalists has directed all State Councils of the Union to mobilise members to withdraw their services and commence protests nationwide from June 7, 2023, if the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNCPL) refuses to reverse the new price regime in the oil sector.
The directive forms part of the resolution at an emergency meeting of the Central Working Committee of the Union, which was convened online on Saturday, June 3, 2023, to discuss issues surrounding the decision by the Federal government to remove Fuel Subsidy and the position taken by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
The statement issued by the NUJ Administrative Secretary, Mr. Shuaibu Usman Leman, reads:
“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 channeled to the provisions of infrastructure and creation of additional jobs, the sudden removal could however lead to social unrests 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.”