Kehinde Fajobi
Organised Labour has cautioned the Federal Government over the impact of the recent fuel price hike, warning that it pushes Nigerians to the edge and could provoke unexpected reactions.
Labour expressed concern over the persistent increase in petrol prices, calling it a test of the public’s patience amidst the widespread hardship.
In response to the government’s policies, a Labour representative, who attended the October 16 meeting between Labour and government officials, said, “We had thought the Federal Government would halt the incessant increase in the pump price of petrol after our meeting. The government is testing the patience of Nigerians.”
The representative noted that the continuous price hikes, including the latest on October 29, are pushing Nigerians to their limits, warning, “Government should not be surprised if the people of Nigeria decide to react in an unexpected way. The people are really angry, frustrated, hopeless and are moving to a point where they may vent their anger in an unusual way that may be difficult to curtail.”
Labour also pointed out the silence of the masses as a potential indicator of frustration, stressing that “even a goat can bite when pushed to the wall.”
In a related development, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero, during a speech at the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives conference in Abuja, highlighted the strain on Nigerians due to rising costs of essential services.
He said, “Electricity tariffs have gone up, making power almost inaccessible. Petrol prices have gone through the roof, and transportation has become difficult, leading to levels of food scarcity and hunger never seen before.”
Ajaero urged solidarity among workers to counter these challenges, emphasising, “Our choices are very limited. It is either we collectively overcome the forces that are bent on keeping us down or surrender and wallow in hopelessness.”
On a different front, the Chemical and Non-Metallic Products Employers’ Federation (CANMPEF) noted that subsidy removal on petrol has driven up transport, logistics, and production costs.
The group’s president, Devakumar Edwin, commented at CANMPEF’s annual meeting in Lagos, “The price adjustments led to an increase in transportation/logistics, production costs, decline in household income and purchasing power.”
He added that government intervention is needed to revitalise Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, suggesting policies to stimulate growth.
Edwin recommended, “Declare a state of emergency in the manufacturing sector… by promoting policies for growth, investment, and innovation.”
Labour leaders and industry representatives alike argue that the government’s current approach risks igniting a crisis, urging immediate action to relieve Nigerians of the spiralling economic burden.