The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has condemned the recent increase in petrol prices, stating it negates the gains of the newly approved N70,000 minimum wage. NLC President Joe Ajaero alleged that President Bola Tinubu reneged on his promise to maintain stable petrol prices in exchange for the union’s acceptance of the minimum wage.
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“We were betrayed by Mr. President,” Ajaero declared. “The statement we issued over our being betrayed is being denied by government officials, but I repeat, we were betrayed.” He recalled President Tinubu’s words during their meeting: “Ajaero, you are the problem.”
Ajaero emphasized that the organized labour was deceived into accepting the N70,000 minimum wage to prevent a petrol price hike. He criticized the government’s distraction tactics, alleging they were used to justify the price increase. “There is a tactic to distract our attention…while we face allegations, the pump price remains.”
The NLC president warned that Nigerians are suffering and urged the government to address hunger, poverty, and frustration before the situation worsens. The union will meet with the federal government to discuss measures to mitigate the hardship.
