The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly criticized the recent nationwide hike in the price of Premium Motor Spirit, commonly known as petrol. The union is demanding an immediate reversal of the price increase, accusing the government of focusing solely on raising fuel prices without addressing broader economic concerns.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by its President, Joe Ajaero, the NLC called on the government to clearly communicate its long-term economic plan for the country. Ajaero also condemned the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited for its role in the price hike. The NNPC recently raised the retail price of petrol from N897 to N1,030 per litre at several of its outlets in the Federal Capital Territory. This marks the second increase within a month, following a previous jump from N617 to N897 per litre in September. The latest hike, representing a 14.8% or N133 increase, has sparked widespread concern.
Ajaero also criticized the administration of President Bola Tinubu for its failure to implement the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative over a year after it was introduced. The initiative, aimed at providing a more affordable alternative to petrol, has yet to materialize. Moreover, Ajaero pointed out that the Port Harcourt refinery remains non-operational, despite agreements made between the federal government, the NLC, and the Trade Union Congress.
The NLC President made these remarks during a speech at the launch of the book “The Tripartite: Understanding the Interplay between Workers, Employers, and Government,” written by Sharon Ijasan, in Abuja on Wednesday. His comments reflect the growing frustration among Nigerian workers over the government’s handling of fuel pricing and broader economic issues, with many feeling the pinch of rising costs.
