The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has demanded an immediate reversal of the recent fuel price hike by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), stating that the increase has exacerbated the suffering of Nigerians.
In the midst of the ongoing fuel scarcity, NNPCL raised the pump price of petrol from ₦568 to as high as ₦897 per litre, depending on the location.
NLC President Joe Ajaero, in a statement condemning the move, accused the Federal Government of betraying the labour movement. He called for an immediate reversal of the price hike and the release of those detained or prosecuted for participating in recent protests.
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Ajaero also demanded an end to what he described as the indiscriminate arrest and detention of citizens on baseless charges, the reversal of the 250% electricity tariff hike, and a halt to the encroachment on the Ministry of Labour and Employment’s duties.
Ajaero criticized the government’s policies, stating, “We are guided by our belief in our country and the need to secure and sustain its sovereignty, integrity, and welfare of the people.”
He further noted that the current administration has yet to implement the new national minimum wage of N70,000. Ajaero recalled how President Bola Tinubu offered labour leaders a choice between a new minimum wage of N250,000 and a petrol price of ₦1,500, which they rejected due to the severe impact it would have on Nigerians.
“But here we are, barely one month after, and with the government yet to commence payment of the new national minimum wage, we are confronted by a reality we cannot explain. It is both traumatic and nightmarish,” Ajaero said.
He also pointed out that when the NLC warned the government about its flawed approach to resolving the fuel subsidy issue, they were dismissed by those who claimed the labour movement lacked understanding of basic economics.
“But if truth be told, this act of betrayal is consistent with the character of this government,” Ajaero remarked, highlighting how assurances given by the National Assembly leadership regarding the 250% tariff hike were not honored.
Ajaero concluded by expressing his regret that, instead of reversing the tariff hike as promised, the rates have been further increased, placing more Nigerians and businesses in peril.
Kano Times