The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Tuesday issued a strong demand for the immediate reversal of the recent fuel price hike announced by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). The NLC emphasized that the increase has exacerbated the already dire conditions faced by Nigerians.
In the midst of ongoing fuel scarcity, the NNPCL raised the pump price of petrol from ₦568 to between ₦855 and ₦897 per litre, depending on the location. The NLC, through its president, Joe Ajaero, expressed deep disapproval of this move, accusing the Federal Government of betraying the trust of the labor movement.
“We demand the immediate reversal of the latest increase in the pump price of PMS across the country,” Ajaero stated. He also called for the release of all individuals currently detained or facing prosecution for allegedly participating in recent protests.
Ajaero further demanded an end to the indiscriminate arrest and detention of citizens on what he described as "trumped-up charges," the reversal of the 250% electricity tariff hike, and a halt to the government's overreach into the duties of the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
The NLC President concluded by urging the government to cease policies that contribute to hunger and insecurity, to stop the culture of fear, terror, and dishonesty, and to focus on safeguarding the nation's sovereignty, integrity, and the welfare of its people.