The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed outrage and feelings of betrayal over the federal government’s sudden increase in petrol price without prior notice. NLC President Joe Ajaero stated that the union accepted the N70,000 minimum wage in July based on the government’s promise to maintain the existing petrol price.
Ajaero demanded that the government:
1. Reverse the petrol price increase
2. Retract the 250% electricity tariff hike
3. Release all protesters incarcerated or facing prosecution
4. End policies causing hunger and insecurity
The NLC president emphasized that the union will not be intimidated and will stand firm with the people, asserting that protests and basic rights cannot be criminalized.
This development highlights the ongoing tensions between the government and labor unions in Nigeria, with the NLC insisting on a minimum wage of N615,000 and rejecting the 35% pay rise offered by the government. The situation may escalate into further protests and strikes if the government fails to address the NLC’s demands.
