The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) says it will join other unions of labour in Nigeria to embark on a nationwide protest next week Wednesday over the removal of subsidy on fuel.

In a statement on Saturday, Shuaibu Leman, NUJ national secretary, said an emergency central working committee (CMC) meeting of the union was convened virtually and unanimously adopted the position of the Nigeria Labour Congress.

“CWC reiterates the argument that although the removal of fuel subsidy will free allocations which can be channelled to the provisions of infrastructure and creation of additional jobs, the sudden removal could, however, lead to social unrest and protests as people may perceive Government as being insensitive to their plight,” the statement reads.

“CWC also notes that already there is an astronomical increase in the prices of petroleum products and high inflation which have drastically reduced the purchasing power of citizens.

“Accordingly CWC directs all State Councils of the Union to mobilise members to withdraw their services and commence protests nationwide from Wednesday next week, 7th June 2023, if the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNCPL) refuses to reverse the new price regime in the oil sector.”

Earlier, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) issued a five-day ultimatum to the new administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to revert to the old price of petrol or face a nationwide protest.

Joe Ajaero, NLC president, said the federal government had until Wednesday to revert to the old price of N185.

The planned protest by Labour Unions in Nigeria would be the first major test for new President Bola Ahmed Tinubu after he announced the removal of an expensive fuel subsidy during his inauguration speech.

The adjustment in the price of fuel in Nigeria has resulted in a significant increase in transportation fees with many commercial transporters blaming the hike in the price of the commodity.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the new Nigerian president, has promised to work on a new salary structure in order to cushion the effects of the already suspended subsidy on the citizens and the country’s economy.