Presidency reacts as NLC threatens to strike over fuel hike
The Presidency has clarified that President Bola Tinubu did not promise the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) or the Trade Union Congress (TUC) that his administration would not increase fuel prices
This statement came in response to the backlash from labour unions, who have expressed feelings of betrayal.
Ajaero had criticized the government for its decision to increase fuel prices, alleging that this move contradicted assurances given during negotiations for the ₦70,000 minimum wage.
Ajaero also recalled that the labour unions had been offered a choice between a ₦250,000 minimum wage with a possible rise in fuel prices and the ₦70,000 wage at existing fuel rates, ultimately choosing the latter despite its insufficiency.
The Nigeria Labour Congress NLC, on Tuesday, called on the federal government to reverse the planned implementation of the increase in price of the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
NLC in a five point demands on Tuesday, said the various organs of the Union will meet to take further action of the government fails to heed it’s demands.
Reacting, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Print Media, Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, addressed the issue, refuting claims made by NLC President Joe Ajaero.
Abdulaziz said that discussions between Tinubu and labour leaders did not involve any agreement or exchange related to fuel price adjustments.
He accused Ajaero of manipulating public sentiment for political gain, emphasizing that the meetings did not include any promises about fuel prices in relation to the minimum wage negotiations.
“I sat through the two meetings President Bola Tinubu had with Labour leaders on minimum wage. At neither of the meetings was an offer made in exchange of fuel price hike. Ajaero is once again playing his dirty politics with the emotions of Nigerians,” Abdulaziz wrote on his X handle.
