The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called for the immediate reversal of the recent fuel price hike announced by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
The NLC’s demand comes in response to the increased pump price of petrol, which has surged from ₦568 to between ₦855 and ₦897 per litre, depending on the location.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, NLC President Joe Ajaero condemned the price increase, asserting that it has exacerbated the hardships faced by Nigerians amidst ongoing fuel scarcity. Ajaero accused the Federal Government of betraying the labor movement and failing to address the critical issues affecting the populace.
Ajaero stated, “We demand the immediate reversal of the latest increase in the pump price of PMS across the country. The increase has further strained the already struggling citizens.” He also called for the release of individuals who have been incarcerated or prosecuted in connection with recent protests against the fuel price hike.
The NLC President criticized the current administration for its failure to implement the new national minimum wage of ₦70,000, which was promised to alleviate the financial burdens on workers. He accused the government of insincerity and described its policies as “traumatic” for ordinary Nigerians.
The fuel price increase has come at a time when the country is grappling with persistent fuel shortages, which have compounded the difficulties faced by consumers. The NLC’s statement underscores the growing discontent and frustration among workers and citizens regarding the government’s handling of the fuel sector and economic policies.