NLC Condemns NNPC’s Fuel Price Hike as Betrayal of Nigerians.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has vehemently condemned the recent increase in fuel pump prices by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), branding it a betrayal of the Nigerian populace.
Ejes Gist News reports that the NNPC raised the retail price of petrol from ₦897 to ₦1,030 per litre, igniting widespread outrage.
In a statement addressing the issue, NLC President Joe Ajaero criticized the government’s approach to managing fuel prices, arguing that a private company like NNPC should not have the authority to set prices that directly impact the lives of Nigerians.
Ajaero remarked, “It looks like the only thing this government is known for is increasing the pump price of petrol without commensurate capacity of Nigerians or mitigatory measures.”
The NLC has challenged the government to develop a comprehensive blueprint for inclusive economic growth and national development rather than relying on temporary measures.
Ajaero emphasized that the latest price hike would exacerbate poverty levels, lead to significant job losses, and result in various adverse effects on the Nigerian economy.
The full statement issued by Ajaero reflects the union’s dismay: “We are dismayed by the latest increase in the pump price of petrol. Even following the logic of market forces, we find it an aberration that a private company (NNPCL) is the one fixing prices and projecting itself as a hegemonic monopoly.”
He further urged the government to reassess its economic policies: “We challenge the government to go to the drawing board and present us with a blueprint for an inclusive economic growth and national development instead of this spasmodic ad hocism and palliative policy.”
Ajaero concluded by highlighting the severe impact of the price increase on ordinary Nigerians, stating that it “has grossly altered the calculations of Nigerians once again at a time they were reluctantly coming to terms with their new realities.”
