The Nigeria Labour Congress looks set to shut down the country, beginning from next week!
Feelers at the disposal of YES INTERNATIONAL! Magazine have it that except a truce is reached between the civil societies and Federal Government between today and Tuesday, May 17, 2016, a nationwide strike action may likely commence on Wednesday, May 18.
Arising from an emergency meeting of the National Executive Committee of NLC on Friday, May 13, alongside other civil society organizations, it was resolved that FG be given between then and Tuesday to revert to the old fuel price of N86.50, which it recently increased to N145, or face the wrath of labour unions.
The meeting which lasted for over 2 hours was chaired by NLC President, Mr. Ayuba Wabba, and held inside the Olaitan Oyerinde Hall of the Labour House in Abuja.
Anxiety and panic, meanwhile, have set in as more and more Nigerians have begun to stockpile foodstuff and petroleum products preparatory to what may likely follow.
One of them that we spoke to had this to say: ‘My brother, I don’t want to be taken unawares. You know Nigeria is so unpredictable. And as such one just has to plan ahead to avoid being messed up. As we speak, my home is well stocked with both fuel for my generator and foodstuff for me and my family. What is remaining are bags of pure water because we also need a lot of water to keep us going, especially in this very, very hot season.’
Another admitted that buying fuel is now a lot easier. However, that there was not enough sensitization and consultation before the announcement, which is the only reason he will pitch his tent with labour should the eventually make good their threat of embarking on strike on Wednesday, May 18, 2016. ‘Government sneaked in the new price of N145 on us, which I do not think is fair’, he ended.