The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Tuesday issued a strong demand for the immediate reversal of the recent hike in fuel prices announced by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
The increase, which saw the pump price of petrol soar from ₦568 to as high as ₦897 per liter depending on the location, has sparked widespread outrage, with the NLC describing it as a move that has further deepened the misery of Nigerians.
In a statement released by NLC President Joe Ajaero, the labor union condemned the hike, accusing the Federal Government of betraying the labor movement and failing to prioritize the welfare of its citizens.
Ajaero’s statement called for immediate actions to address the concerns of the Nigerian populace, highlighting several key demands, including the reversal of the latest fuel price hike, the release of individuals detained during recent protests, and the cessation of what he termed as the “indiscriminate arrest and detention of citizens on trumped-up charges.”
“We demand the immediate reversal of the latest increase in the pump of PMS across the country,” Ajaero stated.
He also called for the reversal of a 250% tariff hike in electricity, an end to the encroachment on the duties of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, and a halt to policies that he argued are exacerbating hunger and insecurity in the country.
Ajaero’s criticism extended beyond the fuel price hike, as he accused the government of insincerity in its dealings with the labor movement.
He specifically pointed to the failure to implement a new national minimum wage of ₦70,000, which the NLC has been advocating for.
According to Ajaero, the administration’s policies have been nothing short of traumatic for ordinary Nigerians.
Recalling a recent negotiation with President Bola Tinubu, Ajaero revealed that the labor leaders were offered a minimum wage of ₦250,000 in exchange for a petrol price hike to ₦1,500 per liter.
The NLC rejected the offer, citing the devastating impact such a price would have on the already strained living conditions of Nigerians.
“But here we are, barely one month after and with the government yet to commence payment of the new national minimum wage, confronted by a reality we cannot explain. It is both traumatic and nightmarish,” Ajaero said.
He expressed disappointment with the government’s handling of the fuel subsidy removal, arguing that the approach was flawed from the start.
In a pointed critique, Ajaero also referenced assurances given by the National Assembly leadership regarding the 250% electricity tariff hike, which he said were not honored.
“This act of betrayal is consistent with the character of this government,” Ajaero remarked, underscoring a growing sense of distrust between the labor movement and the current administration.
The NLC’s demands come at a time of heightened tension in Nigeria, as citizens grapple with the dual challenges of rising fuel costs and increasing economic hardship.
The labor union has vowed to continue its fight for the welfare of Nigerians, insisting that the government must act swiftly to address the issues at hand or face further protests and industrial actions.
The situation remains fluid, with many Nigerians closely watching to see how the Federal Government will respond to the NLC’s demands and whether any relief will be provided to alleviate the current economic strain.