NGO cautions NLC, TUC against organising nationwide strike

Media Development Initiative (MDI), a Non-Governmental Organisation, on Friday, cautioned the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and other labour unions against organizing a nationwide strike over the deregulation of the downstream sector.

Dr. James Ochigbo, President of the organization, gave the word of caution while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
Ochigbo said the policy change in the sector was long overdue, adding that the new regime had set the stage for healthy competition among players in the oil industry.

“The Media Development Initiative is pleading with the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to abandon their planned industrial actions for greater good.

“We also call on other non-state actors to also refrain from instigating the populace,’’ he said.

According to him, the present political leadership is on the right track to reposition the country’s economy.

He said that the deregulation of the downstream sector needed the support of all as proceeds saved from the payment of subsidies would ultimately be channeled to the development of the country.

He, however, called on the central government to expedite the implementation of palliatives to cushion the harsh effects of the hike.
NAN recalls that the minister of state for Petroleum, Mr. Ibe Kachukwu, on May 11, announced a new pump price to run between N135 and N145 a litre.