The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly condemned the recent increase in fuel prices by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), saying the hike will exacerbate the hardships faced by Nigerians and demanding an immediate reversal of the policy.

The NNPCL raised the pump price of petrol from ₦568 to between ₦855 and ₦897 per litre, depending on location. The NLC condemned the price increase, with the association’s President, Joe Ajaero, accusing the Federal Government of betraying the labour movement.

Ajaero stated, “We demand the immediate reversal of the latest increase in the pump price of PMS across the country, the release of all those incarcerated or being prosecuted for participating in recent protests, and an end to the indiscriminate arrest and detention of citizens on trumped-up charges.”

He also called for a reversal of the 250% tariff hike in electricity, cessation of the Ministry of Labour and Employment’s duties being hijacked, and an end to policies that foster hunger and insecurity. Ajaero criticised the government’s approach as one of “terror, fear, and lying,” stressing the need to secure the country’s sovereignty, integrity, and the welfare of its people.

Ajaero further criticised the current administration for failing to implement the new national minimum wage of ₦70,000. He described the government’s policies as traumatic and accused it of insincerity.

He recalled President Bola Tinubu’s offer to labour leaders of a new minimum wage of ₦250,000 in exchange for a petrol price of ₦1,500 per litre, which was rejected due to its potential negative impact on Nigerians. Ajaero lamented, “We are now faced with a reality that is both traumatic and nightmarish. Despite our warnings about the flawed approach to resolving the fuel subsidy issue, the government’s supporters dismissed our concerns.”

Ajaero expressed regret that instead of a promised reversal of the tariff hike, the price has been further increased, worsening the plight of Nigerians and businesses alike.