Trade Union Congress: Why petrol should sell at N50 per litre – TUC

The TUC leader also cautioned against the move by some state Governors to slash the N18,000 minimum wage.

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has berated the federal government’s retention of fuel subsidy, noting petrol should sell at N50 per litre if local refineries are functional.

In a statement by the TUC President, Bobboi Kaiýgama, suggested that a stakeholders’ meeting to discuss subsidy removal and why it has not been possible to refine and purchase fuel at N50 per litre.

“The price of crude oil in the international market has dropped drastically. This should have a direct effect on domestic consumption of the product", Kaiýgama said.

Speaking further, he said the proposed deficit financing  at ₦2.22 trillion is certainly high, saying this could be reduced by the recovery of stolen funds . The union also faulted government’s decision to borrow N1.8trillion to fund the 2016 budget.

The TUC leader also cautioned against the move by some state Governors to slash the N18,000 minimum wage.

“We charge the federal government to as a matter of urgency warn the governors who want to sabotage the administration by saying they cannot pay ordinary N18,000 minimum wage. We dare them to try it”,he said.

The body had, yesterday, urged Christians and Muslims in the country to ensure cheerful giving this season, saying it is the essence of humanity.