Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called for the immediate reversal of the fuel price hike, the release of those arrested during the #EndBadGovernance protests, the halt of indiscriminate arrests, and the reversal of the electricity tariff hike.
The NLC accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of betrayal following a sudden hike in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), describing the government’s actions as a “traumatic and nightmarish” experience for Nigerians, who are already grappling with economic hardship.
NLC noted that the recent increase comes barely a month after the federal government proposed a new national minimum wage of N70,000, a compromise they accepted on the condition that fuel prices would remain unchanged.
The labour union recalled how they had initially been presented with two options by the President: a N250,000 minimum wage tied to a fuel price hike between N1,500 and N2,000, or a N70,000 wage with the promise of stable fuel prices.
The NLC opted for the latter, fearing that the higher fuel costs would inflict unbearable suffering on Nigerians.
“But if truth be told, this act of betrayal is consistent with the character of this government. We recall the assurances the leadership of the National Assembly gave us on the 250% tariff hike that it had been dealt with, and there was no need to openly engage the Minister of Power who was at that meeting. Instead of the promised reversal, the rate has since been jerked up further, putting more Nigerians and businesses in jeopardy,” the statement read.
NLC also criticised the government for its heavy-handed approach to dissent, citing the arrest and detention of individuals involved in the End-Hunger/End Bad Governance protests.
These individuals have been charged with serious crimes, including treasonable felony and terrorism financing, which the NLC deems as attempts to muzzle lawful dissent and silence opposition.
The statement concluded with the announcement that NLC organs would be convening in the coming days to decide on the next action, which will be communicated to the public in due time.
West Africa Weekly