Labour Congress Lambasts Tinubu Govt, Says Rising Petrol Prices Pushing Nigerians To Brink
During the 8th Quadrennial Delegates’ Conference of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) in Abuja, NLC President Joe Ajero expressed concern over President Bola Tinubu-led government’s handling of the fuel crisis and the broader economic challenges facing the nation.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed deep concern over the latest surge in petrol prices, stating that it is driving Nigerians to their breaking point.
During the 8th Quadrennial Delegates’ Conference of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) in Abuja, NLC President Joe Ajero expressed concern over President Bola Tinubu-led government’s handling of the fuel crisis and the broader economic challenges facing the nation.
Ajero cautioned that the government’s continuous and unexpected hikes in fuel prices could trigger an unprecedented backlash from the public.
He pointed out that Nigerians are silently enduring extreme hardship, emphasizing, “Even a goat can bite when pushed to the wall.”
The NLC president detailed the troubling state of Nigeria’s economy, noting that key macro-economic indicators are deteriorating rapidly.
The labour leader said with rising electricity tariffs making power increasingly inaccessible, many citizens are finding it increasingly difficult to meet basic needs.
“The price of petrol has skyrocketed, making it nearly impossible for the average Nigerian to afford,” Ajero stated.
“This surge in transport costs has exacerbated food scarcity, contributing to a level of hunger that many have not witnessed before.”
Ajero said, “We need your unity and strength to creatively engage the forces that hinder us and make governance work for the majority of workers and citizens. Currently, our options are limited. We must either find a way to collectively overcome those determined to hold us back or surrender entirely, leading to a state of hopelessness.
“The forces of neo-liberalism must be challenged, and the trade union movement remains the only viable force in Nigeria—and globally—that can effectively engage with and mitigate its grip on our nation.
“We must provide a strong counter to their self-serving logic and present new arguments to triumph over their profit-driven motives that undermine social welfare. Only by remaining strong and united can we hope to achieve this.
“It is unfortunate, but we cannot afford to keep our public refineries closed while still importing refined petroleum products.”
“We demand a review of our salaries, addressing their eroded values. Together, we must call for the re-commissioning of the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries, as per the agreement we made with the Federal Government on October 15, 2023,” Ajero added.
