Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — In order to avoid the looming recession in the country as a result of COVID-19 pandemic, the Trade Union Congress, TUC, has advocated for a two-month free electricity supply for all Nigerians, particularly the Small and Medium Scale Enterprises, SMEs.
TUC which advocated this in her 2020 May Day message, urged the government to do all it takes to have an efficient power sector, irrespective of whose ox is gored.
National President of TUC, Quadri Olaleye, also advocated for tax rebate of at least three months to companies in Nigeria, especially the unionized ones, to help reflate the economy from imminent recession.
Olaleye commended the federal government for removal of fuel subsidy, and charge government to revamp the nation’s ailing refineries, using the NLNG model.
“We also recommend two months free electricity to SMEs generally and Nigerians in general. Again, we demand that the sector be made to work efficiently.
“If it will take a review of the privatisation process to resolve the power question government should go ahead no matter whose ox is gored.
“The TUC commends government on steps taken so far on subsidy as it would create an atmosphere where market would determine the price of product and also have spiraling effects on value chains on post COVID-19
Nigeria. The refineries should also be revived and NNLG model adopted. It is more profitable.
“Delaying the bill robs the country the benefits/revenue that could have accrued from the hydro-carbon industry. We call on government to sign the PIGB into law first and then complete the other aspects of the Bill.”
TUC also throw it’s weight behind the plans by the House of Representatives to investigate the implementation of NOGICD Act in the oil and gas sector.
“We also supports the House of Representatives plan to investigate the implementation of Local Content involvement in the Nation’s oil and Gas sector as such gesture would enable the Country and stakeholders in the
oil industry determine the level of compliance with the Nigerian Oil and Gas Content Development Act.
“The Congress draws the attention of government to the brewing crisis with PENGASSAN members on the implementation of IPPIS and calls for early resolution.”
