Nigeria Labour Congress, on Wednesday, countered President Bola Tinubu over his claim that N1trillion has been saved since his administration stopped the payment of fuel subsidy.
Tinubu had in a nationwide broadcast on Monday said a total of N1trillion had been saved since he stopped subsidy payment.
“In a little over two months, we have saved over a trillion Naira that would have been squandered on the unproductive fuel subsidy which only benefitted smugglers and fraudsters. That money will now be used more directly and more beneficially for you and your families,” the President had said.
But NLC President, Joe Ajaero, while addressing workers in Abuja during the ongoing nationwide protest, said the committee that the Federal Government set up to negotiate with the unions disclosed that no money had been saved since subsidy was removed.
Ajaero spoke when he and his Trade Union Congress counterpart, Festus Osifo led protesters to the National Assembly complex.
“Mr President talked about N1trillion saved. The committee where we meet, they told us that no one kobo has been saved so far. Therefore, we have not agreed on what to pay anywhere,” he said.
Tinubu had during his inaugural speech on May 29 announced the removal of fuel subsidy, resulting in the increase in the price of petrol from N195 to N540 per litre.
Earlier in July, the price was again increased to N617 per litre.
The increase in petrol prices has already led to a hike in the prices of goods. Worst affected are foodstuff and transportation.
Nigerians have been lamenting the effect of subsidy removal on their lives, but the Tinubu administration has repeatedly promised relief.
Earlier in July when he hosted class of 1999 Governors, Tinubu appealed for more patience from Nigerians.
He assured Nigerians that the framework for palliatives to remedy the effects of fuel subsidy removal was being worked out.
“I understand that our people are suffering yet there can be no childbirth without pain. The joy of childbirth is the relief that comes after the pain. Nigeria is reborn already with fuel subsidy removal. It is a rebirth of the country for the largest number over a few smugglers. Please tell the people to be a little patient.
“The palliative is coming. I don’t want cash-transfer to fall into wrong hands. I know it pinches and it is difficult. In the end, we will rejoice in the prosperity of our country,’’ he had told the governors, who were led by former Governor of Edo State, Lucky Igbinedion.
Tinubu had earlier written to the House of Representatives to seek an amendment to the 2023 supplementary appropriation act to accommodate N500 billion for provision of palliatives for Nigerians.
The parliament subsequently approved the request.