The National President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, Mr. Ambali Olatunji, has expressed the union’s readiness to join the nationwide strike on Tuesday. This aligns with the Nigeria Labour Congress’s indefinite strike starting October 3, 2023, in response to the Federal Government’s removal of the oil subsidy, causing widespread hardship.
Speaking in Akure after the election of a new executive for the Ondo State Chapter of NULGE, Olatunji declared the union’s intention to participate in the strike. He emphasized the need for President Bola Tinubu to address the issues surrounding the subsidy removal, pointing out the lack of due diligence in studying the economic impacts.
Olatunji acknowledged the subsidy withdrawal but called for a structured approach to mitigate its effects, proposing the utilization of modular refineries in the Niger Delta. He questioned the government’s capacity to refine crude oil and suggested licensing and supporting local refinery operators to enhance job creation and benefit local communities.
Expressing concern about the large size of the government, Olatunji proposed a reduction in ministers and the allocation of special advisers to manage resources more effectively. He highlighted the need for government support at the local level, emphasizing equipment and infrastructural interventions.
Additionally, Olatunji criticized the distribution of palliatives, alleging its transformation into a political affair. The NULGE National President urged the government to revisit local councils, providing them with support and addressing issues related to equipment and infrastructure.
