Fuel hike: NAAT backs NLC, TUC on Monday protest, strike

The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) on Friday threatened to join forces with Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and other affiliate unions to mobilise its members across the nation if federal government remains adamant in reversing the recent increment in Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and electricity tariff. Daily Trust reports that […]

The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) on Friday threatened to join forces with Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and other affiliate unions to mobilise its members across the nation if federal government remains adamant in reversing the recent increment in Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and electricity tariff.

Daily Trust reports that the NLC and its affiliates after a meeting with representatives of government on Thursday which lasted hours had insisted that there would be no going back on its plan to paralyse the economy through its nationwide protest and strike.

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The government’s representatives, which included Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha; Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige; Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed; Minister of State, Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo; Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman and Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, also maintained earlier position that it would not reverse to old price.

National President of NAAT, Comrade Ibeji Nwokoma, at a press conference in Abuja, described the hike as “anti-masses policy”.

Nwokoma said NAAT resolved at its 43rd National Executive Council meeting which held at University of Abuja between 21st and 25th September that it would not hesitate to re-shut schools if opened without addressing non-payment of minimum wage arrears to all the tertiary institutions including its members.

“There is the urgent need to resolve all issues that might lead to total and indefinite strike action as directed by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) of which NAAT is an affiliate.

“Government should address all the issues raised to avoid labour unions’ action which is dangerous for our economy,” he said.

He also urged President Muhammadu Buhari to rejig the security architecture and decisively deal with the menace of wanton killings, kidnappings, banditry and others.