The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has advised the federal government to ensure that local refineries were kept running before the removal of subsidies on petroleum products.
The Federal Government hinted that it may end the subsidy programme in June.
The plan to remove the subsidies has attracted but knocks and applauds with the organised labour being the biggest critic.
At the end of its National Executive Council on Saturday, the TUC in a communique said the government must ensure that local refineries are operational before such a move is implemented.
“Worrisome economic situation and the rising cost of living in the country”, the TUC said both federal and state governments should put in place measures to ensure “food security and infrastructural development.”
It directed its state councils and affiliates to prepare for “industrial actions” if the government goes ahead with its removal plans without meeting the conditions.
“The Proposal by National Council of State on the final removal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) as from June 2022 should take into consideration the attendant economic impact on the masses,” the TUC communique.
The communiqué was signed by its President Quadri Olaleye and Secretary-General Musa-Lawal Ozigi.
“There must be assurances that refineries are fully overhauled and establishment of modular refineries encouraged.”
The trade congress noted that the effective policing of the nation’s borders to stem the rate of petroleum products smuggling must also be implemented.
