On Wednesday, the Federal Government engaged in a crucial meeting with the leadership of Organised Labour at the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, in Abuja. The Federal Government’s delegation was led by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, while the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero, and Trade Union Congress (TUC) Secretary General, Nuhu Toro, represented Organised Labour.
Also present at the meeting were key government figures, including the Minister of State for Labour, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha; Minister of Finance, Wale Edun; and Minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu.
Though the official agenda of the meeting was not disclosed, it comes at a time of heightened tension due to the recent hike in petrol prices, increased electricity tariffs, skyrocketing inflation, and the overall high cost of living in Nigeria. Organised Labour has been vocal about these issues, especially following last week’s fuel price adjustment by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
In Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, NNPCL outlets have raised the pump price of petrol to ₦998 per litre, an increase of ₦150 from the previous price of ₦855. This latest hike follows the September 2, 2024 adjustment when the price was raised from ₦568 to ₦855. The June 2024 price increase from ₦184 to ₦568 had already triggered widespread discontent.
The meeting is seen as a crucial step toward addressing the mounting economic challenges and easing the strain on Nigerian citizens.
