As frustrations rise over the recent spike in petrol prices, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has demanded that the federal government reverse the hike and return prices to ₦617 per litre.
The NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, stated that the government’s decision contradicts an earlier agreement reached during negotiations.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Fuel prices have surged, with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) now selling between ₦950 and ₦1,400 per litre across Nigeria, causing widespread confusion.
Long fuel queues have persisted for over six weeks, and many filling stations remain closed.
Despite public outcry, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has yet to provide an explanation, though it denied issuing a directive for the increase.
NLC spokesman Benson Upah expressed disappointment over the breach of trust, recalling that during minimum wage negotiations, the government promised not to raise petrol prices if the union agreed to certain compromises.
According to Upah, the government proposed two options: a minimum wage of ₦250,000 with petrol prices rising to ₦1,500 to ₦2,000, or an increase to ₦62,000 while keeping prices stable.
Labour leaders rejected the higher wage offer, considering its potential negative impact on the average Nigerian.
“He told us we had a few hours to consult… At the end of that one week, Labour leaders unambiguously said we would not accept the offer of ₦250,000,” Upah explained.
“To keep this brief, the president acted in breach of his promise to Labour leaders, and he knows the truth.”
However, the President’s Special Assistant on Print Media, Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, refuted these claims, stating that no such offer was made during the meetings with Labour leaders.
In response, the NLC reaffirmed its position, accusing Abdulaziz of engaging in denial and insisting that Nigerians deserve a life free from intimidation and economic hardship.
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