The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed deep disappointment over the recent increase in petrol prices at NNPC Ltd’s fuel stations, viewing it as a betrayal of trust by the federal government.
In a statement, NLC President Joe Ajaero addressed the situation, which has sparked controversy and concern across the nation.
Ajaero revealed that during minimum wage negotiations, President Bola Tinubu presented the NLC with two options: either N250,000 as minimum wage subject to a rise in pump price between N1,500 and N2,000 or N70,000 at the old pms rate. The NLC opted for the latter, expecting fuel prices to remain stable.
“One of the reasons for accepting N70,000 as the national minimum wage was the understanding that the pump price of pms would not be increased, even though we knew that N70,000 was not sufficient,” Ajaero stated.
The labour leader expressed shock at the sudden price hike, which occurred before the implementation of the new minimum wage.
“Here we are, barely one month later, with the government yet to commence payment of the new minimum wage, confronted by a reality we cannot explain,” he said, describing the situation as traumatic and nightmarish.
Ajaero criticized the government’s approach to resolving the fuel subsidy issue and linked the price increase to a pattern of betrayal, citing unfulfilled promises regarding electricity tariff hikes.
He also condemned the government’s response to recent protests, including the End-Hunger/End Bad Governance demonstrations, accusing authorities of repression and unjust arrests.
“The clandestine increase in the pump price of petrol is the first among equally sinister policies the government has up its sleeve,” Ajaero warned, vowing that the NLC would not be intimidated.
The NLC demands an immediate reversal of the fuel price increase, the release of arrested protesters, and an end to policies contributing to hunger and insecurity.
The labour union also called for a halt to electricity tariff hikes and an end to the government’s culture of terror, fear, and lying.
