The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has accused President Bola Tinubu of betrayal following a recent substantial hike in fuel prices.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by its President, Joe Ajaero, the Labour Centre expressed its deep disappointment and outrage over the covert increase in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), describing it as a severe breach of trust.
The NLC highlighted that one of the key reasons for agreeing to the ₦70,000 national minimum wage was an assurance that the fuel price would remain stable. The Congress criticized the government for breaking this promise and implementing what it termed “extreme right-wing market policies” that have plunged Nigerians into unprecedented hardship.
The statement also condemned the government’s crackdown on protesters, citing the arrest and detention of citizens on baseless charges, and accused the government of encroaching on the responsibilities of the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
“We feel profoundly betrayed by the federal government’s surreptitious increase in the PMS pump price,” the Congress declared. “Our acceptance of the ₦70,000 minimum wage was predicated on the understanding that fuel prices would not rise, even though we were aware that ₦70,000 is insufficient.”
The NLC is demanding an immediate reversal of the fuel price increase, the release of detained protesters, an end to arbitrary arrests and detentions, a rollback of the 250% electricity tariff hike, and a cessation of policies that foster hunger and insecurity. The Congress also called for an end to what it described as the government’s culture of terror, fear, and deceit.
The NLC vowed to remain steadfast in its support for the people, declaring that it would not be intimidated by the government or its security agencies. It also announced plans to convene its leadership in the coming days to decide on its next course of action, which will be made public.
Details to follow…
