The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed profound dismay and a deep sense of betrayal following the Federal Government’s recent decision to raise the petrol pump price to a staggering N855 per litre. The labour union, representing millions of Nigerian workers, condemned the move as both “traumatic and nightmarish,” accusing the government of reneging on prior agreements that promised economic relief for the country’s most vulnerable citizens.
The outrage comes barely a month after the NLC agreed to a new national minimum wage of N70,000, significantly lower than its initial demand of N250,000. According to the union, the lower wage was accepted based on assurances from the government that there would be no further hikes in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). However, with the abrupt price increase, the NLC says it feels deceived, particularly since the new wage is yet to be implemented.
In a strongly-worded statement, NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, criticized the government’s decision, noting that the agreement to accept a lower minimum wage was made to avoid inflicting further hardship on Nigerians. “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,” the statement read. The NLC also recalled the Federal Government’s insistence on choosing between a minimum wage of N250,000 with a pump price of N1,500 to N2,000 per litre, and N70,000 at the existing rate. The union opted for the latter to prevent additional suffering for the populace.
The statement went further to denounce the government’s approach to economic policies, describing them as “ferocious right-wing market policies” that have exacerbated the living conditions of Nigerians, leading to widespread discontent. The NLC also pointed to the government’s failure to reverse the 250% tariff hike in electricity, despite earlier assurances from the leadership of the National Assembly. This, according to the union, has placed a heavier financial burden on businesses and ordinary citizens alike.
Moreover, the NLC accused the government of employing heavy-handed tactics to suppress dissent. The union condemned the recent arrests and prosecution of citizens who participated in the End-Hunger/End Bad Governance protests, labeling the charges as trumped-up and politically motivated. The NLC argued that these actions violate basic rights and are part of a broader agenda to silence opposition.
The labour union also raised concerns about the encroachment of security agencies on the statutory roles of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, accusing the government of bypassing proper channels in dealing with trade disputes and related matters. The NLC vowed to resist what it sees as the government’s attempts to intimidate and subdue it, pledging to continue its advocacy for the welfare of Nigerians.
In light of these developments, the NLC issued several demands, including the immediate reversal of the latest fuel price increase, the release of all detained protesters, and an end to the government’s alleged “culture of terror, fear, and lying.” The union warned that it would not be deterred by government actions and would soon convene its appropriate organs to decide on the next steps.
As Nigerians grapple with rising costs and economic uncertainty, the NLC’s latest statements suggest that the labour movement is gearing up for what could be a significant showdown with the Federal Government. The outcome of this conflict could have far-reaching implications for the country’s socio-political landscape.
