The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has kicked against President Bola Tinubu’s announcement of subsidy removal.

Tinubu had during his inauguration said subsidy on petrol is “gone”, a move that has triggered fuel queues across cities in the nation.

While reacting to the announcement, NLC President Joe Ajaero described the development as not well planned, saying Nigerians feel betrayed by the move.

“By his insensitive decision, President Tinubu on his inauguration day brought tears and sorrow to millions of Nigerians instead of hope. He equally devalued the quality of their lives by over 300 per cent and counting,” he said in a statement.

“It is no heroism to commit against the people this level of cruelty at any time, let alone on an inauguration day. If he is expecting a medal for taking this decision, he would certainly be disappointed to receive curses for the people of Nigeria consider this decision not only a slight but a big betrayal.”

The labour union is there calling for an immediate withdrawal of the policy, maintaining that the implications are “grave”.

“On our part, we are staunchly opposed to this decision and are demanding an immediate withdrawal of this policy. The implications of this decision are grave for our security and well-being,” the NLC chief added.

“We wonder if President Tinubu gave a thought to why his predecessors in office refused to implement this highly injurious policy decision.”

He quoted Tinubu’s 2012 comment, opposing the removal of subsidy on fuel.

“In light of the foregoing, we advise Tinubu to respect his own postulations and economic theories instead of daring the people. It could be a costly gamble,” the statement noted.