The removal of fuel subsidy has sparked concerns among the Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government-Owned Companies (SSASCGOC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), who have expressed their apprehensions about the potential impact on Nigerians and workers. With Nigerian workers already receiving a minimum wage of N30,000, both unions worry that they may not be able to survive the repercussions of this decision.
Surajudeen Alakija, the President-General of SSASCGOC and Deputy President of TUC, emphasized the need for stakeholder engagement before implementing such a significant decision. He noted that the president’s pronouncement on inauguration day had already set in motion a series of events, including the introduction of new pump prices by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
Speaking at the Quadrennial Delegates Conference of the Maritime Branch, Alakija raised questions about the fate of subsidies that had already been paid between the present time and June 30th. He called on the government to engage with workers to mitigate the adverse effects of subsidy removal.
Alakija criticized the lack of transparency surrounding subsidies, referring to them as a scam. He highlighted the absence of information regarding the recipients of these subsidies and the substantial amounts involved on an annual basis.
While acknowledging the necessity of subsidy removal, Alakija shared a personal experience of purchasing fuel at an exorbitant price of N540 per liter, which amounted to N10,800 for a 20-liter container. He contrasted this with the minimum wage in Nigeria, which currently stands at N30,000, equivalent to less than $50 at the current exchange rate.
Alakija questioned how an average Nigerian could survive under such circumstances and called for a roundtable discussion involving stakeholders and the government to address the impact of subsidy removal.
Alakija also mentioned the recent deadlock in the meeting between the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the government, expressing his discomfort with the approach taken during the negotiations. He emphasized the importance of a roundtable discussion that incorporates statistical data, facts, and figures to determine achievable solutions.
While acknowledging the significance of the Nigerian project, Alakija urged that no workers should be sacrificed in the process. He highlighted the need to strike a balance between national development and worker welfare.
Echoing these concerns, Abdullahi Abubakar, the outgoing president of SSASCGOC, emphasized that the removal of subsidy would have an impact on all Nigerians as it affects every household. Abubakar also appealed to the federal government, specifically the Minister of Transport and Works, to expedite action on the dilapidated Quay Apron at Tin Can Island Port and the Onne Port Access Road, which have led to continuous litigation and revenue losses.
In the face of the dreaded Covid-19 pandemic, Abubakar commended the Union for their proactive efforts in procuring protective materials and immune-boosting medicines for staff reporting to the office, despite their limited financial resources.
