NLC Condemns Fuel Price Hike as Betrayal of Nigerian Workers

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed outrage over the sudden increase in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, describing it as a betrayal of trust, especially towards Nigerian workers.

The NLC’s President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, voiced his disapproval on Tuesday, highlighting that part of the reason the union accepted the N70,000 minimum wage was based on the understanding that there would be no further hikes in fuel prices.

Nigerians were shocked by the sudden jump in fuel prices from an official rate of N617 to N897 per litre, a development that has left many in confusion and financial distress.

This increase has exacerbated existing economic challenges and prompted the NLC to respond, amidst an ongoing conflict with the Nigeria Police Force over allegations related to terrorism.

Comrade Ajaero expressed his deep disappointment with the federal government’s decision, emphasising that the union had been misled. In his statement, he said, “We are filled with a deep sense of betrayal as the federal government clandestinely increases the pump price of PMS. One of the reasons for accepting N70,000 as national minimum wage was the understanding that the pump price of PMS would not be increased even as we knew that N70,000 was not sufficient.”

He recalled the difficult choices presented by the government during negotiations, where they were given two stark alternatives: accept a minimum wage of N250,000 alongside a fuel price hike to between N1,500 and N2,000 per litre, or settle for N70,000 with the promise of stable fuel prices. The NLC chose the latter to avoid further economic hardship for Nigerians. “But here we are, barely one month after and with government yet to commence payment of the new national minimum wage, confronted by a reality we cannot explain. It is both traumatic and nightmarish,” Ajaero lamented.

The NLC leader also criticised the government’s approach to resolving the fuel subsidy issue, which he described as flawed from the start. He noted that despite warnings from the union about the unsustainable nature of the subsidy removal, the government dismissed their concerns, accusing them of lacking economic understanding. “When we told government that its approach to resolving the fuel subsidy contradictions was patently faulty and would not last, its front-row cheerleaders sneered at us,” Ajaero stated.

Ajaero also highlighted other betrayals, including assurances from the National Assembly that the 250% electricity tariff hike had been addressed, only for prices to continue rising.

He argued that these increases have placed further strain on ordinary Nigerians and businesses, contributing to widespread discontent.

Moreover, Ajaero condemned the government’s heavy-handed response to recent protests against poor governance and economic hardship.

Instead of addressing the root causes of the protests, the government has arrested and detained protestors, accusing them of crimes such as criminal conspiracy, subversion, treasonable felony, terrorism financing, and cybercrime. Ajaero described these actions as an attempt by the government to stifle lawful dissent and silence opposition voices.

“The police and other security agencies have since been on a rampage terrorising the citizenry in pursuance of government’s agenda of muzzling lawful dissent,” he said.

He further criticised the security agencies for overstepping their roles and encroaching on the responsibilities of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, particularly in matters concerning trade disputes.

Ajaero accused the government of waging a campaign of fear and intimidation, but vowed that the NLC would not be silenced.

He said, “We at the Nigeria Labour Congress will not be cowed into submission. Together with civil society, we brought about this democracy when some of the actors in power today were conspiring with the military on how to perpetuate their hold on political power.”

Ajaero warned that the latest fuel price hike is likely the first in a series of unfavourable policies the government plans to implement.

He assured Nigerians that the NLC remains resolute in defending the rights of workers and citizens, and will not be distracted by government intimidation.

“We stand resolute with the people and will neither be distracted nor intimidated by the government or its security agencies.

We insist that government cannot criminalise protests or basic rights in the domain of the citizenry,” he asserted.

The NLC has demanded an immediate reversal of the fuel price increase, the release of all detained protestors, an end to indiscriminate arrests, and a reversal of the electricity tariff hike.

The union also called for a halt to the encroachment on the Ministry of Labour and Employment’s duties, and urged the government to stop implementing policies that exacerbate hunger and insecurity.

In the coming days, Ajaero announced that the appropriate organs of the NLC would convene to decide on the next steps, and any decisions made will be communicated to the public.

He concluded by reaffirming the NLC’s commitment to protecting the welfare of Nigerians and holding the government accountable for its actions, stating, “We are guided by our belief in our country and the need to secure and sustain its sovereignty, integrity and welfare of the people.”