House Of Reps Calls For Dialogue Amid Anti-Subsidy Removal Protest

The House of Representatives has urged the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and allied labour unions to halt the peaceful protest concerning the negative impacts of the federal government’s fuel subsidy removal.

In a statement by its Spokesperson, Hon. Akin Rotimi, the House emphasised the importance of continuous dialogue for the best interest of hardworking Nigerian workers, without exacerbating their current hardships.

According to him, the NLC has insisted on proceeding on the peaceful protest scheduled for this Wednesday, despite appeals by the federal government and interest groups to shelve the industrial action.

“As representatives of the people, the House of Representatives is fully aware and empathises with Nigerians on account of the hardship being experienced as a result of the removal of fuel subsidy.

“We also acknowledge the rights of the NLC to carry out peaceful protests as a means of clamouring for relief for Nigerian workers as we go through these challenging times.

“Like most Nigerians, we know that building a progressive and prosperous nation requires hard and far-reaching decisions which must be taken in the collective interest of the people, and see reason with the decision of the federal government to take the bull by the horn in the interest of long term economic growth and stability.

“The gap between the removal of fuel subsidy and the tangible outcomes of palliative measures must be shortened for the sake of poor and vulnerable Nigerians.

“Accordingly, we call on the leadership of the NLC and other labour unions in Nigeria to please divert their energies to join the House of Representatives in continous engagement with the federal government, to achieve expedited implementation of the programmes and push for additional immediate measures to provide succor for Nigerians,” the House spokesperson stated.