Nationwide #protests hold in Nigeria over fuel subsidy

Thousands marched through Nigerian streets on Wednesday on the first day of protests called by labour unions over the government’s removal of petrol subsidy and liberalization of the naira – policies that have fuelled economic hardship.

Major unions Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) led marches in Abuja and Lagos, but most businesses remained open.

“We are the only OPEC country that is not refining. We are in the same vicious cycle and Nigerians are suffering. Every worker is feeling the pinch of this hardship,” said former NLC president Ayuba Wabba.

The unions gave notice of a strike last week, accusing the government of failing to negotiate after a previous plan to go on strike was cancelled.

– A major test

The protest is a major test for the new government of Bola Tinubu which has been slow with relief measures after announcing the two key policies.

President Tinubu, in an effort to wade-off the planned strike, on Monday announced an ambitious plan to ease the impact of policies.

Part of the cushion plan hints on the roll out of a new national minimum wage and an extensive scheme to support farmers and boost agriculture through loans, availability of seedlings and improved infrastructure.

Labour unions said the offers fell short of meeting real needs of the masses.

“The so-called palliatives cannot address this issue on a permanent basis. What will address this issue is for the refineries to work. Today, nothing is being said about that. It is only the struggle that can get us to where we want to be,” My Wabba said.

The organized labour have expressed scepticism about President Tinubu’s ability to effectively control inflation and petrol prices following the unification of the exchange rate, according to The Cable.

Joe Ajaero, the president of the NLC, reiterated the plan for workers to engage in a peaceful protest starting from Wednesday and dismissed concerns about the protest being hijacked by hoodlums.

Mr Ajaero said President Tinubu’s plan to intervene in the exchange rate to address inflation and the high cost of petrol remains doubtful given Nigeria’s reliance on imported energy and the lack of comparative advantages.

Government’s representatives met with labour leaders on Tuesday in a bid to forestall the protest. After the meeting, the NLC vowed to proceed with the August 2 nationwide strike.