NLC Demands Immediate Reversal of New Petrol Price Hike
By Tahir Muhammad, Dutse
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Tuesday called for the immediate reversal of the recent fuel price hike announced by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), arguing that the increase has further deepened the suffering of Nigerians.
Amid ongoing fuel scarcity, the NNPCL raised the pump price of petrol from ₦568 to between ₦855 and ₦897 per litre, depending on the location.
In a statement, NLC President Joe Ajaero condemned the move and accused the Federal Government of betraying the labour movement. He demanded the reversal of the price hike and the release of individuals detained for participating in recent protests.
Ajaero stated, “We demand the immediate reversal of the latest increase in the pump price of PMS across the country, the release of all those incarcerated or being prosecuted for allegedly participating in the recent protests, and a halt to the indiscriminate arrest and detention of citizens on trumped-up charges.”
He also called for the reversal of the 250% electricity tariff hike, an end to policies that exacerbate hunger and insecurity, and a stop to the government’s use of fear and misinformation. Ajaero emphasized the NLC’s commitment to the welfare of the Nigerian people.
Ajaero further criticized the government for failing to implement the new national minimum wage of ₦70,000, accusing it of insincerity and describing its policies as traumatic. He recalled how President Bola Tinubu had offered labour leaders a choice between a new minimum wage of ₦250,000 and a petrol price of ₦1,500 per litre, an offer the labour leaders rejected due to its potential impact on Nigerians.
“But here we are, barely one month later, with the government yet to commence payment of the new national minimum wage, and we are confronted with a reality that is both traumatic and nightmarish,” Ajaero said.
He also lamented that despite assurances from the National Assembly regarding the 250% tariff hike, the situation has only worsened, placing more Nigerians and businesses in jeopardy.
