The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has accused President Bola Tinubu of betraying organised labour by using petrol prices as leverage in negotiations. NLC President Joe Ajaero revealed that during discussions on the proposed N70,000 minimum wage, Tinubu offered the option of not raising petrol prices if the wage was accepted. Alternatively, he suggested a N250,000 wage with a fuel price hike, which labour rejected due to the burden it would place on Nigerians.

Ajaero emphasized that the high petrol prices have diminished the benefits of the minimum wage and urged the government to address pressing issues like poverty and hunger. He also criticized attempts to distract the labour movement with baseless allegations of cybercrime and terrorism.