The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has given the federal government a seven-day ultimatum to end the country’s gasoline and cash shortages.
Joe Ajaero, president of the NLC, gave the ultimatum during the opening session of the union’s central working committee (CWC) meeting on Monday in Abuja.
Two weeks ago, the supreme court overturned the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) redesigned naira policy due to improper scheduling and implementation.
A seven-member panel of the nation’s highest court ruled that the old N200, N500, and N1000 notes will remain legal tender through December 31, 2023.
TheCable said that in response to the court decision, several banks have begun distributing obsolete currency to consumers (over the counter and automated teller machines).
As they await an official declaration from the federal government and CBN regarding the future course of action, some Nigerians are refusing to utilize the old notes for transactions.
Ajaero, speaking at the gathering, expressed worry over the plight of Nigerians as a result of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s naira redesign strategy (CBN).
If nothing was done to ameliorate the situation within seven days, he threatened, workers would be instructed to refrain from reporting to work.
“Congress wishes to inform the federal government that it will no longer remain silent on this issue of fuel shortage and financial crunch,” he stated.
“The NLC has given the CBN and the FG seven working days to resolve the issue; if they fail to do so, all Nigerian employees must remain at home.”
Due to the approaching gubernatorial and state assembly elections, oil marketers reported last week that some areas of the country may experience a gasoline shortage until after the elections.
In portions of Abuja and other northern states, gasoline lines have reemerged following the presidential and national assembly elections.
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) stated that the shortage was a result of the restrictions placed on mobility during the just finished presidential elections.
