NLC Accuses Tinubu of Betrayal Over Fuel Price Hike

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has accused President Bola Tinubu of betrayal following a substantial increase in fuel prices.

In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero, the Labour Centre expressed profound shock and disillusionment with the covert rise in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). The NLC characterized the move as a “deep sense of betrayal.”

The Congress recalled that one of the conditions for accepting the N70,000 national minimum wage was the assurance that the price of PMS would remain unchanged. The NLC criticized the government for failing to uphold its promises and implementing what they termed “harsh right-wing market policies,” which they argue have driven Nigerians to their lowest economic point.

The NLC also condemned the government’s response to protests, including the arrest and detention of citizens on alleged false charges, and encroachments on the Ministry of Labour and Employment’s responsibilities.

“We are deeply betrayed by the federal government’s secretive increase in the pump price of PMS,” the Congress stated. “The agreement to accept N70,000 as the national minimum wage was based on the understanding that the pump price of PMS would not rise, even though we acknowledged that N70,000 was insufficient.”

The Congress has demanded an immediate reversal of the fuel price hike, the release of detained protesters, an end to arbitrary arrests and detentions, a rollback of the 250% electricity tariff increase, cessation of encroachments on the Ministry of Labour and Employment’s duties, and a halt to policies that contribute to hunger and insecurity. They also called for an end to the government’s culture of fear and deception.

The NLC vowed to remain steadfast in support of the people and warned that the government’s actions would not intimidate them. “In the coming days, the Congress will convene to make appropriate decisions, which will be announced publicly.”

Details will follow…