The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of betraying the terms that led to the acceptance of the new N70,000 minimum wage. In a statement issued by NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero on Tuesday, the union expressed outrage over the recent fuel price hike, which saw petrol prices soar to over N850 per litre at Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) stations.
The NLC claimed that the government had assured them that the pump price of petrol would not be increased, a key condition for accepting the new minimum wage. “We feel deeply betrayed,” Ajaero said, describing the development as “traumatic and nightmarish.” He criticized the government’s approach to economic policies, warning that it is driving Nigerians into poverty and increasing public discontent.
The union also condemned the government’s handling of recent protests and called for the immediate reversal of the fuel price hike. Additionally, the NLC demanded the release of those detained during protests, a reversal of the 250% electricity tariff hike, and an end to policies that they claim are causing hunger and insecurity in the country.
Ajaero vowed that the NLC would not be intimidated by the government and promised that the union, along with civil society, would continue to fight for the rights of Nigerians. The NLC is expected to convene in the coming days to decide on further actions.
