The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) expresses its deep sense of betrayal and outrage over the federal government’s surreptitious increase in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). This move is a clear violation of the understanding reached during the negotiation of the national minimum wage, where it was agreed that the pump price of PMS would not be increased.
We recall the government’s earlier proposal of a N250,000 minimum wage, contingent upon an increase in the pump price of PMS to between N1,500 and N2,000. We opted for the N70,000 minimum wage, believing that the government would honor its commitment to maintain the existing pump price. However, the government has reneged on this agreement, imposing further hardship on Nigerian citizens.
This act of betrayal is consistent with the government’s history of broken promises and anti-people policies. We condemn the government’s decision to increase the pump price of PMS, which will exacerbate the already dire living conditions of Nigerians.
Furthermore, we demand the immediate:
1. Reversal of the latest increase in the pump price of PMS across the country.
2. Release of all individuals incarcerated or prosecuted for participating in recent protests.
3. Halt to indiscriminate arrests and detentions of citizens on trumped-up charges.
4. Reversal of the 250% tariff hike in electricity.
5. Cessation of the hijack of the duties of the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
6. End to policies that engender hunger and insecurity.
7. Halt to government’s culture of terror, fear, and lying.
The NLC remains resolute in its commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of Nigerian citizens. We will not be intimidated or distracted by the government’s actions. In the coming days, the appropriate organs of the Congress will meet to take further decisions, which will be made public.
*Comrade Joe Ajaero*
President, Nigeria Labour Congress