NLC Accuses FG of Betrayal Over Petrol Price Hike, Demands Immediate Reversal

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has accused the federal government of betrayal following the recent increase in petrol prices by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC).

In a statement issued on Tuesday, NLC President Joe Ajaero expressed disappointment, stating that the Congress had agreed to the new minimum wage of ₦70,000 based on an understanding with the government that there would be no increase in fuel prices.

On Tuesday, the NNPC raised the pump price of petrol to ₦855 per litre across its filling stations, a move that has been met with strong opposition from the NLC.

The union described the price hike as both “traumatic and nightmarish,” especially given that the government has yet to implement the new minimum wage agreement.

Ajaero criticized what he described as a pattern of betrayal by the Bola Tinubu administration. He accused the government of suppressing peaceful protests, intimidating citizens, and inflicting further hardship on Nigerians.

In response, the NLC outlined several demands:

1. Immediate reversal of the recent petrol price increase nationwide;
2. Release of all individuals detained or prosecuted for allegedly participating in recent protests;
3. An end to the indiscriminate arrest and detention of citizens on fabricated charges;
4. Reversal of the 250% hike in electricity tariffs;
5. Cease the encroachment on the duties of the Ministry of Labour and Employment;
6. End to policies that contribute to hunger and insecurity;
7. A stop to the government’s practices of intimidation, misinformation, and repression.

The NLC statement read:

“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 ₦70,000 as the national minimum wage was the understanding that the pump price of PMS would not be increased, even though we knew that ₦70,000 was not sufficient.”

The statement continued, “Barely a month after reaching this agreement, and without beginning the payment of the new minimum wage, the government has increased the fuel price. This is both traumatic and nightmarish for Nigerians.”

Ajaero recalled that President Tinubu had presented the NLC with two options: either a ₦250,000 minimum wage with a fuel price increase to between ₦1,500 and ₦2,000 per litre or a ₦70,000 minimum wage at the current fuel price. The NLC chose the latter to avoid further hardship on Nigerians.

“Now, with the latest increase, our worst fears have been confirmed. This act of betrayal is consistent with the character of this government,” Ajaero said.

The NLC also criticized the government’s handling of the 250% electricity tariff hike, noting that despite assurances from the National Assembly, the tariff had not been reversed, and many Nigerians and businesses remain in jeopardy.

“The combined effects of the government’s aggressive market policies have pushed Nigerians to their lowest point, leading to the recent End-Hunger/End Bad Governance protests,” the statement said.

“Instead of addressing the underlying issues, the government arrested those involved in the protests, some of whom had nothing to do with them, charging them with serious crimes such as treason and terrorism.”

The NLC condemned the actions of security forces in stifling lawful dissent and appropriating roles that belong to the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

In its closing remarks, the NLC vowed to stand firm with the people of Nigeria against government repression and reiterated its commitment to protecting the nation’s sovereignty and the welfare of its citizens.

The Congress announced that it would soon convene a meeting of its key organs to decide on the next steps, which will be made public in the coming days.