Emameh Gabriel in Abuja
The Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA) has asked the proposed joint committee set up by government and organised labour to negotiate the removal of subsidy on petrol to develop a transparent implementation plan that will address the concerns of Nigerians.
The call came after Organised Labour led by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), on Monday agreed to suspend their proposed nationwide strike to give way for negotiations with the government on subsidy removal.
The Executive Director, CTA, Faith Nwadishi, in a statement in Abuja appealed to the federal government and all stakeholders in the implementation process to ensure that the best interest of Nigerians are prioritised.
Nwadishi also proposed some approaches that she said would contribute to addressing the immediate challenges posed by the current fuel price hike.
She said: “This plan should outline clear timelines, responsibilities and performance indicators to ensure accountability and progress monitoring. Transparency and appropriate broad-based stakeholder consultations in the execution of the planned measures are crucial to maintaining public trust and ensuring the effective delivery of benefits to Nigerians.”
The group said while the resolutions reached between government and labour demonstrate positive steps towards addressing subsidy-related issues, it is of the opinion that these resolutions are very long termed and so emphasizes the importance of further actions to better serve the immediate interests of Nigerians.”
According to the CTA boss, the immediate reduction in petrol price to cushion citizens’ pains as June 30th approaches, is one of such short term measures to consider.
Nwadishi said: “There is need for an immediate reduction in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to reflect the proposed date of subsidy removal, which is set for the 30th of June 2023. This reduction is crucial to alleviate the sudden financial burden on citizens while the palliatives plan is implemented immediately.
“As the government and stakeholders work towards the successful implementation of the proposed palliatives, it is essential to take into consideration the immediate concerns of Nigerians who have been affected by the recent fuel price hike. Lowering the PMS price in anticipation of the subsidy removal will provide immediate relief to citizens, ensuring that their pains are cushioned during this transitional period.”
She said further that the federal government, TUC and NLC should clarify the specific timeframe for the utilization of the World Bank loan of $800 million, adding that this will ensure that the funds are allocated and utilized effectively for projects with high impact, such as infrastructure development, job creation and economic diversification.
“Alternative palliatives to cash transfers: In addition to reviewing the cash transfer scheme, the CTA recommends exploring alternative palliative measures that have an immediate and impactful effect on the lives of Nigerians. These may include subsidized transportation fares, targeted support for vulnerable populations, and the provision of essential commodities at affordable prices.”
