Labour unions urge FG to find solution to fuel scarcity

Some labour unions have called on the Federal Government to urgently address the on-going scarcity of petroleum products or face the wrath of labour.

The unions, in separate statements made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos, said that Nigerians would protest attempt to use the shortage to increase the price of fuel.

Dr Dipo Fashina and Mr Abiodun Aremu, Chairman and Secretary respectively, Joint Action Front (JAF) said that Nigerians were looking forward to the government to provide the means to end poverty, hunger and joblessness instead of fuel scarcity.

“Nigerians want the government to address the problems of poverty, education, transportation, roads, electricity, healthcare and general welfare,’’ the labour leaders said.

They urged the Federal Government to reverse the proposed increase in electricity tariff, create and implement positive policies in education and improve healthcare.

Mr Igwe Achese, President, National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), advised members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), to urgently settle down and revive the ailing economy.

Achese, in a statement, said that the government should find solution to end the sufferings of the masses in getting petroleum products without wasting man-hours at filling stations.

He said that time had come to put an end to incessant fuel shortages being experienced across the country.

The NUPENG president urged the FEC to address the challenges in the oil and gas industry and tackle Turn-Around-Maintenance of the nation’s four refineries.

He warned that NUPENG would resist any further retrenchment and downsising in the sector.

He urged the government to put in place an enabling environment that would create level-playing field for all investors in the sector to operate. (