Fuel Price Hike Sparks Outrage in Nigeria as Labour Congress Brands President a "Betrayer"
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly condemned the recent hike in fuel prices, labeling President Bola Tinubu a "betrayer" for reneging on promises made during the negotiation of the national minimum wage. The NLC’s President, Joe Ajaero, expressed shock and dismay at the clandestine increase in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), describing it as a "deep sense of betrayal."
According to the NLC, one of the reasons for accepting the N70,000 national minimum wage was the understanding that the pump price of PMS would not be increased. However, the government’s decision to hike fuel prices has left many Nigerians feeling betrayed and frustrated.
The NLC accused the government of implementing "ferocious right-wing market policies" that have driven Nigerians to their "all-time low." The Congress also condemned the government’s crackdown on protesters, the arrest and detention of citizens on trumped-up charges, and the encroachment on the duties of the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
"We are filled with a deep sense of betrayal as the federal government clandestinely increases the pump price of PMS," the NLC stated. "One of the reasons for accepting N70,000 as the national minimum wage was the understanding that the pump price of PMS would not be increased, even though we knew that N70,000 was not sufficient."
The NLC has demanded the immediate reversal of the fuel price increase, the release of incarcerated protesters, an end to indiscriminate arrests and detentions, and a halt to the government’s culture of terror, fear, and deceit. The Congress has also vowed to stand resolute with the people and not be intimidated by the government or its security agencies.
The NLC has warned that appropriate decisions will be taken in the coming days, and details will be made public. The Congress’s strong stance against the government’s policies has sparked widespread outrage and frustration among Nigerians, who are demanding a more transparent and accountable government.
