The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called for the immediate reversal of the recent fuel price increase announced by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). The NLC asserts that the hike, which has pushed the pump price of petrol from ₦568 to between ₦855 and ₦897 per litre, has significantly exacerbated the hardships faced by Nigerians.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, NLC President Joe Ajaero criticized the Federal Government for what he described as a betrayal of the labor movement. Ajaero argued that the latest price surge has compounded the suffering of the populace amidst ongoing fuel scarcity.
“The recent increase in petrol prices is unacceptable and must be reversed immediately,” Ajaero declared. He also demanded the release of individuals who were detained or prosecuted for participating in recent protests, and called for an end to what he termed as the indiscriminate arrest of citizens on unfounded charges.
The NLC further urged the government to reverse the 250% hike in electricity tariffs, halt the encroachment on the responsibilities of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, and end policies that they claim foster hunger and insecurity. Ajaero also condemned the government’s alleged culture of intimidation and dishonesty.
In addition to these demands, Ajaero highlighted the government’s failure to implement the new national minimum wage of ₦70,000, which was supposed to address rising living costs. He recalled a previous proposal by President Bola Tinubu, which offered a choice between a ₦250,000 minimum wage with a petrol price of ₦1,500 per litre, a suggestion that was rejected by labor leaders due to its potential negative impact on Nigerians.
“This situation is both traumatic and nightmarish,” Ajaero said, expressing frustration over the government’s handling of fuel subsidy issues and other economic policies. He noted that assurances given by the National Assembly regarding the electricity tariff hike have not materialized, with rates having risen even further.
