On Tuesday, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) called for an immediate reversal of the recent fuel price hike announced by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). The NLC argued that the increase in fuel prices has exacerbated the hardships faced by Nigerians. The NNPCL recently raised the price of petrol from ₦568 per liter to between ₦855 and ₦897 per liter, depending on the location, amid ongoing fuel scarcity across the country.
NLC President Joe Ajaero strongly condemned the government’s decision in a public statement, accusing the Federal Government of betraying the trust of the labour movement. Ajaero demanded the immediate reversal of the petrol price hike across Nigeria and called for the release of all individuals currently detained or prosecuted for allegedly participating in recent protests against the government. He also urged an end to the indiscriminate arrest and detention of citizens on what he described as fabricated charges.
In addition to these demands, Ajaero called for a reversal of the 250% increase in electricity tariffs and criticized the government for overstepping the authority of the Ministry of Labour and Employment. He further demanded an end to policies that he believes contribute to hunger and insecurity in the country, condemning what he described as the government’s “culture of terror, fear, and lying.” Ajaero emphasized that the NLC is guided by a commitment to Nigeria’s sovereignty, integrity, and the well-being of its people.
Ajaero also criticized the government’s failure to implement the new national minimum wage of ₦70,000, accusing the current administration of insincerity. He described the policies of the government as traumatic and detrimental to the welfare of Nigerians. He recalled an offer made by President Bola Tinubu to labour leaders, proposing a choice between a new minimum wage of ₦250,000 or a petrol price of ₦1,500 per liter. The labour leaders rejected this proposal due to its potentially negative impact on the population.
Ajaero lamented the current situation, noting that, despite the government’s promise to implement the new minimum wage, no payments have been made yet. He expressed concern over the government’s approach to resolving the fuel subsidy issue, which he argued was fundamentally flawed and unlikely to succeed.
Ajaero accused the government of betrayal, stating that this behavior aligns with its track record. He recalled assurances from the National Assembly that the 250% electricity tariff increase would be addressed and expressed frustration that the tariffs have continued to rise, further endangering Nigerians and businesses.
