Betrayal! NLC Slams Fuel Price Hike

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly condemned the current hike in fuel price announced by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), describing it as an act of betrayal that has exacerbated the suffering of Nigerians.

In a statement released on Tuesday, NLC President Joe Ajaero demanded an immediate rollback of the new fuel price hike which has raised prices to between ₦855 and ₦897 per litre, depending on the location.

Amidst the ongoing fuel scarcity across the country, Ajaero expressed deep frustration with the government’s decision, stating that it has only added to the misery of the Nigerian people. He accused the Federal Government of breaking its promises to the labour movement and implementing policies that are causing widespread hardship.

“We demand the immediate reversal of the latest increase in the pump price of PMS across the country,” Ajaero said. “We also call for the release of all those detained or prosecuted for participating in recent protests, an end to the indiscriminate arrest and detention of citizens on trumped-up charges, and a reversal of the 250% tariff hike in electricity.”

The NLC President went on to criticize the government for failing to address the real issues affecting Nigerians, accusing it of fostering a culture of fear, insecurity, and deception. He also called for the government to halt what he described as the “hijack” of the Ministry of Labour and Employment’s duties.

Ajaero further highlighted the administration’s failure to implement the new national minimum wage of ₦70,000, accusing the government of insincerity and inconsistency in its dealings with the labour movement. He recalled a previous meeting where President Bola Tinubu had offered labour leaders the choice between a new minimum wage of ₦250,000 and a petrol price of ₦1,500 per litre—an offer that was rejected due to its potential impact on the Nigerian populace.

“Here we are, barely a month later, with the government yet to commence payment of the new national minimum wage, and now we are faced with this traumatic and nightmarish reality,” Ajaero said. “When we told the government that its approach to resolving the fuel subsidy contradictions was faulty, we were dismissed as not understanding basic economics. But now, the consequences are clear for all to see.”

Ajaero also expressed disappointment with the leadership of the National Assembly, accusing them of failing to keep their promises regarding the reversal of the 250% electricity tariff hike. Instead of the promised relief, he noted that the rates have been further increased, placing additional burdens on Nigerians and businesses.

The NLC’s demands include a comprehensive review of the government’s economic policies, which Ajaero argues have only deepened the nation’s crises and failed to deliver on the promises made to the Nigerian people.
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