TUC Bemoans Cash Shortage, Fuel Crisis, Tasks FG On Immediate Resolution

TUC Bemoans Cash Shortage, Fuel Crisis, Tasks FG On Immediate Resolution
The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), said it is bewildered  as the twin crises of cash and fuel shortages have plunges the country into confusion with government watching helplessly.
According to a statement signed by TUC President, Comrade Festus Osifo, never in the history of the country have Nigerians been subjected to so much pain, sorrow and anger which threatens to boil over into the streets.
TUC said Nigerians have never been subjected to the nightmare of being unable to access their hard-earned money in the banks leading to business closures and inability to pay for food, transportation and medical bills amongst other necessities.
The Congress warns that a situation where the populace is forced to buy Nigerian currency or part with a significant percentage of cash just to get access to their own money is disheartening and evil and could spell doom for the country if not promptly addressed.
It said it is unacceptable that a country of laws with a plethora of government and security services in place is unable to curb these crimes against the people and bring perpetrators to book.
“Congress is not interested in the blame game going on in government and political circles, neither is it fascinated by the endless promises and assurances made by the Federal Government that the situation will soon be brought under control.
“We are worried and wish to note that smaller denominations of N100 naira notes and N50 notes were not affected by the Naira redesign, but paradoxically not in circulation anywhere in the country. President Muhammadu Buhari needs to give a marching order to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the commercial banks to make available the legal tender, unconditionally to Nigerians without further delay.
“All it demands is the immediate return to normalcy so that Nigerians who are already subjected to an unprecedented runaway inflation, can have access to their hard-earned money.
“Again, the lengthy explanations on why there are long queues at fuel stations and prices of PMS being far above the official price can no longer be tolerated. All we demand is that petrol returns to fuel stations and is available at the official price across the country.
“We warn that the time for government to act is now before the situation gets out of hand and the populace take matters into their own hands. The hope is that political office holders and the political class would heed our advice.
“Congress is however, not going to wait in perpetuity for the political leadership to put on its thinking cap. Therefore, we demand that the Federal Government within seven days, beginning from Tuesday 7th February, 2023 provides a solution to the twin problems of currency unavailability and fuel shortages”, TUC said.
TUC said it shall be monitoring the situation closely and will give further directive should the situation not improve.

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