The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has slammed the federal government following an increase in fuel prices, calling the move a “betrayal” of trust, News About Nigeria reports.
The NLC’s President, Joe Ajaero, demanded an immediate reversal of the price hike, which saw petrol prices soar from N568 to as high as N855 or N897 per litre, depending on the location.
Ajaero condemned the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) for the increase, stating that it has exacerbated the suffering of Nigerians who are already struggling with economic challenges.
He accused the government of betraying the labour movement and the public, noting that the decision has intensified the hardship faced by citizens.
In a statement, Ajaero called for more than just a reversal of the fuel price hike.
He urged the government to release those who were detained during recent protests, halt the “indiscriminate arrest and detention of citizens on fabricated charges,” and reverse the 250% hike in electricity tariffs.
He also demanded that the government stop implementing policies that, in his view, worsen hunger and insecurity across the nation.
The NLC President also criticised the government’s failure to implement a new national minimum wage of N70,000, accusing the administration of insincerity and describing its policies as “traumatic.”
He referenced a recent offer from President Bola Tinubu, who had proposed a choice between a new minimum wage of N250,000 or a petrol price of N1,500 per litre.
According to Ajaero, labour leaders rejected the offer due to its potentially devastating impact on the public.
Ajaero expressed deep disappointment with the government’s handling of economic issues, arguing that the recent fuel price hike is just one example of policies that have been damaging to the country’s economy and well-being.
He also criticised the government for failing to follow through on its promises, particularly concerning the reversal of the electricity tariff hike, which he said has instead been increased further, putting more Nigerians and businesses at risk.
