Our Labour Correspondent
In a strongly worded statement issued on September 3, 2024, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) expressed deep feelings of betrayal following the federal government's clandestine increase in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). The NLC highlighted that one of the key reasons for accepting the N70,000 national minimum wage was the assurance that PMS prices would remain unchanged, despite acknowledging that the amount was insufficient.
The NLC recalled President Tinubu’s earlier proposition, offering a choice between a N250,000 minimum wage, contingent on a PMS price hike to between N1,500 and N2,000, or N70,000 with the existing PMS rates. The NLC opted for the latter to avoid further economic hardship on Nigerians.
However, barely a month after this agreement, and with the government yet to begin payment of the new minimum wage, the NLC is faced with what it describes as a "traumatic and nightmarish" situation. The union criticized the government's failure to heed warnings about the faulty approach to resolving fuel subsidy issues, which they now see as leading to this betrayal.
The NLC also recalled assurances from the National Assembly about the 250% electricity tariff hike, noting that instead of the promised reversal, the rate has been further increased, jeopardizing Nigerians and businesses alike.
The Congress condemned the government's harsh right-wing market policies, which they claim have driven Nigeria to an all-time low, sparking the End-Hunger/End Bad Governance protests. Instead of addressing the protests' root causes, the government responded with arrests, detentions, and charges against protesters, accusing them of serious crimes, including treasonable felony and terrorism financing.
Moreover, the NLC decried the security agencies' actions, alleging a campaign of terror against the citizenry, defamation of individuals, and encroachment on the Ministry of Labour and Employment's statutory roles in resolving trade disputes.
Despite the government's oppressive actions, the NLC vowed to remain resolute, emphasizing that they will not be intimidated or distracted. They demanded the immediate reversal of the PMS price hike, release of detained protesters, and an end to the indiscriminate arrests and detentions of citizens.
Additionally, they called for the reversal of the electricity tariff hike, an end to the government's culture of terror and lying, and a halt to policies that foster hunger and insecurity.
The NLC assured Nigerians of their continued commitment to protecting the country's sovereignty, integrity, and the welfare of its people. The Congress announced that its appropriate organs would meet in the coming days to decide on further actions, which will be communicated to the public.
Comrade Joe Ajaero, the President of the NLC, signed the statement.
