The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed concern over the recent fuel price hike across the country, stating that it may lead to an increase in the price of petrol to N5,000 per litre.
In a recent interview, NLC spokesperson Benson Upah revealed that the union is planning to take fresh action against the federal government’s decision.
Upah stated that the NLC will hold a meeting with its organs to discuss the best course of action, which may include protests or other forms of demonstration. He said that the union is angry and frustrated with the government’s betrayal, particularly after the president’s promises to keep the fuel price stable.
His words, “We are planning to have a meeting with the appropriate organs of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC). Those organs will take the decisions. We will take decisions that we believe would be in the best interest of our members and possibly, this country.”
Asked whether there will be a strike action, the NLC spokesperson said, “…, the mood, I can tell you, is that of anger and I want to say that it is not only within the Nigerian Labour Congress that you have anger. Virtually every Nigerian is angry, except that first one per cent that is maintained by the state. You know, that one per cent has everything; we give them everything, those are the only ones who are not complaining. Every other Nigerian is complaining. So, our mood is reflective of the general mood of the country.”
The NLC commented on the minimum wage implementation. Upah accused the government of being isolated from the people’s suffering and stated that those who say Nigerians need to bear the pains should be jailed or shot.
He said, “One, when Mr. President called for the negotiation, recall that we were stuck at N62,000 and he made two offers; the first was to agree on the N250,000 we recommended while the price of PMS will rise to N1,500 or N2,000 or he will pay N62,000 and the status quo remains. He told us we had a few hours to consult. The labour leaders did not take the bait, rather we asked to be given more time and later requested for at least one week to consult outside the Villa. At the end of that one week, the Presidency met again and the labour leaders unambiguously said we would not accept the offer of N250,000.”
He also commended the Adamawa State governor for being the only state to commence payment of the minimum wage and criticized other state governments for not following in that regard.
