NLC Accuses Government of Betrayal Over Fuel Price Hike: ‘We Were Given Devil’s Choices

Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly condemned the recent increase in the petrol pump price, labeling it a “traumatic and nightmarish” breach of trust by the Federal Government. The labor union expressed outrage, asserting that the decision undermines an agreement reached during recent minimum wage negotiations.

In a statement titled “We Feel Betrayed,” signed by NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero, the union demanded an immediate reversal of the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) price hike. The NLC’s frustration stems from what it views as a covert decision by the government to elevate fuel prices, contrary to previous agreements.

Ajaero recounted the difficult choices presented by the President during negotiations: either accept a minimum wage of N250,000, with a potential increase in fuel prices to between N1,500 and N2,000 per liter, or settle for a lower wage of N70,000, based on the existing PMS rates. The union opted for the latter to avoid further burdening Nigerians, but now feels betrayed by the government’s actions.

Adding to the tension, the NLC plans to demonstrate at the Force Headquarters on Thursday in support of its President amidst allegations of terrorism financing. The labor movement perceives these accusations as a tactic to undermine their efforts and distract from the government’s failure to honor its commitments.

The NLC highlighted that the recent fuel price increase exacerbates the hardships faced by Nigerians, especially as the new minimum wage agreement has not yet been implemented. “It is distressing that, barely a month after agreeing on a new national minimum wage, we are confronted with this new reality. It is both traumatic and nightmarish,” the statement concluded.