The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has accused President Bola Tinubu of betrayal following a rise in petrol prices and fuel shortages. NLC President Joe Ajaero criticized Tinubu for breaking promises regarding fuel price stabilization and the implementation of a new minimum wage, calling the situation "traumatic."
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu for allegedly betraying the labor movement and the Nigerian people following a recent surge in petrol prices and widespread shortages. In a statement on September 3, 2024, NLC President Joe Ajaero described the situation as "traumatic and nightmarish," expressing frustration over the persistent confusion and soaring costs of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol.
Ajaero recalled that during wage negotiations, President Tinubu had offered the NLC and Trade Union Congress (TUC) a choice: accept a minimum wage of ₦250,000 with a rise in fuel prices or settle for ₦70,000 with no change in fuel rates. The labor unions chose the latter to avoid further burdening Nigerians. However, Ajaero lamented that not only have fuel prices risen beyond what was initially promised, but the new national minimum wage has yet to be implemented.
The NLC leader accused the government of failing to keep its promises and criticized the approach to resolving fuel subsidy issues as flawed. He also pointed out that previous assurances about tariff hikes were not upheld, exacerbating the economic strain on Nigerians and businesses. This criticism underscores the broader discontent with the government's handling of economic policies and their impact on everyday life.
