The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed deep disappointment and a sense of betrayal over the recent hike in petrol pump prices across the country. In a strongly worded statement, NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, condemned the increase, describing it as both “traumatic and nightmarish” for Nigerians.
The NLC’s anger stems from an agreement reached with the Federal Government during the national minimum wage negotiations. According to the labor body, one of the key reasons they accepted a N70,000 minimum wage, instead of their initial demand of N250,000, was the understanding that there would be no further increase in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). The union felt this was a compromise to prevent further financial strain on Nigerians.
Ajaero recalled that during the negotiations, President Bola Tinubu presented two options: either a N250,000 minimum wage, which would lead to a significant increase in fuel prices to between N1,500 and N2,000 per liter, or a N70,000 minimum wage with the promise to maintain the current fuel prices. The NLC chose the latter, believing it would minimize the economic burden on the public.
However, the recent increase in fuel prices, which comes barely a month after the agreement and before the new minimum wage payments have even begun, has left the NLC feeling betrayed. The union has called for an immediate reversal of the price hike, emphasizing that the government’s action contradicts the agreement and exacerbates the economic challenges faced by ordinary Nigerians.
The NLC’s statement underscores the growing tension between the labor movement and the government, as the union grapples with the impact of the fuel price increase on workers and the general population.
