The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed deep frustration and accused the federal government of betrayal following the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC)’s decision to increase the price of petrol.
The NLC, led by its president, Joe Ajaero, stated that this price hike contradicts the understanding they had with the government when they agreed to a new minimum wage of ₦70,000.
According to Ajaero, one of the reasons the NLC accepted the ₦70,000 minimum wage was based on the government’s assurance that fuel prices would not be increased.
However, with the NNPC’s recent adjustment of the pump price to ₦855 per litre, the NLC sees this as a breach of trust, particularly as the new wage is yet to be implemented.
In response to the hike, the NLC has outlined several demands:
1. Immediate reversal of the petrol price increase across the country.
2. Release of individuals detained or prosecuted for participating in recent protests.
3. Halt to the indiscriminate arrest and detention of citizens on baseless charges.
4. Reversal of the 250% hike in electricity tariffs.
5. Stop to the government’s interference with the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
6. End to policies that contribute to hunger and insecurity.
7. Halt to the government’s tactics of intimidation and misinformation.
The NLC warned that the organization would meet in the coming days to decide on further actions, which will be made public, indicating potential nationwide protests or strikes if their demands are not met.