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NLC Blasts Tinubu Over Fuel Subsidy Removal, Says It Has Worsened Nigeria’s Woes
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has criticized the removal of the fuel subsidy, asserting that the policy has exacerbated the nation’s economic challenges.
Benson Upah, the spokesperson for the NLC, made these remarks in response to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s claims during his recent presidential media chat.
During the chat, which took place on Monday at his Lagos residence, President Tinubu defended his decision to remove the fuel subsidy, stating that Nigeria would have been on the brink of disaster if the subsidy had not been abolished. He argued that the removal was essential for securing the country’s financial future and preventing the continued depletion of national resources.
“We are spending our future. We are spending our generation’s fortunes. We are not investing. We are just deceiving ourselves,” the President remarked, reiterating his firm stance on the necessity of the subsidy removal.
NLC’s Response: Subsidy Removal Has Created More Problems
However, the NLC strongly disagrees with the President’s assessment. In an interview with Punch on Saturday, Upah countered Tinubu’s argument, stating that the removal of the subsidy had not provided the expected solutions but rather worsened the problems faced by ordinary Nigerians.
When asked whether he agreed with the President’s statement, Upah responded firmly, saying, “Certainly no. He (the President) knows the truth.
Nigerians, particularly workers and unions, who argue that the subsidy removal has led to higher fuel prices, increased cost of living, and worsening economic hardship for the majority of the population.
The Debate Over Fuel Subsidy
The removal of the fuel subsidy has been one of the most contentious policies of Tinubu’s administration. While the government insists that it is a necessary step to reduce fiscal burdens and encourage long-term economic growth, critics, including the NLC, claim that it has disproportionately affected vulnerable groups who now face skyrocketing costs for basic goods and services.
The ongoing debate highlights the deep divide in Nigeria over the best approach to economic reform. Proponents of the subsidy removal argue that it will help reduce government expenditures, while opponents contend that it places an unfair burden on ordinary citizens who already grapple with inflation and unemployment.
As the nation continues to navigate these challenges, the NLC’s response adds to the growing calls for a review of the policy and greater attention to the needs of the average Nigerian in the face of economic reforms.
The lawmaker representing Kaura Namoda South Constituency in the Zamfara State House of Assembly, Aminu Ibrahim Kasuwar-Daji, has died.
It was gathered that the lawmaker passed on in his sleep during the early hours of Wednesday.
Aminu Ibrahim Kasuwar-Daji’s sudden death came as a shock to many in the state, especially his colleagues and political associates.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara, the party under which he was elected, expressed deep sorrow over his passage.
Members of the party, including the State Working Committee and other supporters, described his death as a great loss.
They said he was known for his dedication and honesty in serving his people.
His family, community members in Kaura Namoda South, and fellow lawmakers have been thrown into mourning as preparations for his burial began.
According to Islamic rites, he was buried today at 3:00 pm in his hometown of Kasuwar-Daji, located in the Kaura Namoda Local Government Area.
Many in the state have continued to express grief as they remember the role he played in representing the people and contributing to the work of the state assembly.
Mr. Sam Olumekun has taken over at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as Acting Chairman.
Olumekun is INEC’s National Commissioner in charge of Information and Voter Education.
He performed his first duties today, receiving a high-level delegation of the Labour Party (LP) at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja with other National Commissioners in attendance.
The delegation was led by Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti, who visited the Commission to discuss key developments within the Labour Party.
It was gathered that both parties engaged in discussions centered on enhancing collaboration and reinforcing democratic values.
During the visit, Governor Otti formally presented a Certified True Copy of the recent Supreme Court judgment concerning the party’s leadership.
He noted that the meeting was aimed at fostering clarity, mutual understanding, and institutional alignment regarding the Labour Party’s current structure.
Mr. Olumekun, the Acting INEC Chairman, reaffirmed the Commission’s unwavering commitment to neutrality, transparency, and the rule of law in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.
Recall that a viral WhatsApp message had indicated that Prof. Mahmood was sacked by President Bola Tinubu and replaced with one Prof. Bashiru Olamilekan.
“INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmud Yakubu has been replaced with Prof. Bashiru Olamilekan by President Tinubu,” the message, which had no attribution, read. However, both INEC and the Presidency debunked the widespread report.
Yakubu, who is rounding off his second tenure in office, is expected to exit the system towards the end of this year.
The process of appointing an INEC chairman is the President nominating a candidate and forwarding his particulars to the Department of State Services (DSS) for profiling.
After such screening, the President, thereafter, takes the name to the National Council of State for its advisory review.
Based on the outcome, the President sends the name to the Senate for screening and confirmation.
Crude oil prices have dropped below $57, following a previous rate of $59.78.
This decline coincides with the imposition of tariffs on several countries by US President Donald Trump.
A report from West Texas Intermediate attributes this price slump to consistent 6% reductions observed last week.
JPMorgan Chase & Co has warned that these tariffs could likely push both the US and global economies into a recession this year.
The financial institution explained that the tariffs, set to take effect this week, are expected to have widespread economic repercussions.
Market analysts and the business community have expressed concerns about the negative implications of these measures, predicting a slowdown in economic activities and a subsequent decline in oil demand.
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