Politics

BREAKING: NLC Calls for Immediate Reversal of Fuel Price Hike

Published by Tope Fakinlede on September 4th, 2024.

BREAKING: NLC Calls for Immediate Reversal of Fuel Price Hike

NLC

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urgently demanded that the recent increase in fuel prices announced by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) be reversed. The NLC argues that the price hike, which has raised the cost of petrol from ₦568 to between ₦855 and ₦897 per litre depending on location, has exacerbated the hardships faced by Nigerians.

In a statement, NLC President Joe Ajaero condemned the price increase and accused the Federal Government of betraying the labor movement. Ajaero’s statement included several demands: an immediate rollback of the petrol price increase, the release of individuals arrested or prosecuted in connection with recent protests, an end to the arbitrary arrests and detentions of citizens on dubious charges, a reversal of the 250% electricity tariff increase, and a cessation of what he described as government efforts to undermine the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

Ajaero also called for an end to policies that contribute to hunger and insecurity, and criticized the government’s “culture of terror, fear, and dishonesty.” He stressed the NLC’s commitment to the nation’s sovereignty and the welfare of its people.

He highlighted that the current administration has yet to implement the new national minimum wage of ₦70,000. Ajaero expressed frustration over what he called the government’s insincerity and described its policies as traumatic. He recalled that President Bola Tinubu had previously offered labor leaders a choice between a ₦250,000 minimum wage with a petrol price of ₦1,500, which they rejected due to its potential impact on Nigerians.

Ajaero criticized the government’s approach to resolving fuel subsidy issues and accused it of betrayal, recalling assurances from the National Assembly leadership about the tariff hike that were not fulfilled. “Instead of a reversal, the rate has been further increased, putting more Nigerians and businesses at risk,” he added.