The House of Representatives has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address Organised Labour’s demands on the controversies trailing the removal of fuel subsidy.

According to the federal lawmakers, there is a necessity for an amicable resolution of the agitation to embark on nationwide industrial action. Speaking on the floor of the House, Hon. Unyime Idem acknowledged that the abrupt announcement of the fuel subsidy had negatively impacted Nigerian citizens’ well-being. He said the announcement had not been well received by the Nigerian Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress.

Idem added that the labour believes that the removal was made abruptly without proper consultations with relevant stakeholders. He noted that subsidies were initially implemented in Nigeria in the 1970s in response to the 1973 oil price shock. Going further, he said the House acknowledges that subsidy payments have been depleting the national resources of our dear nation. Earlier this year, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company.

He said: “The House is worried that over $10 billion has been spent on subsidy between 2015 and now. Additionally, the government budgeted a staggering 3.36 trillion naira for subsidy payments between January and June of this year alone.

“The House is also worried that the continuous payment of subsidies has significant implications for the economy and the allocation of scarce resources.

“The House recognizes the right of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to engage in strike action on matters that impact the well-being of Nigerian workers.’’