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• As NNPC further increases petrol pump price to N897/litre
• Demands reversal and release of protesters
• Accuses government of stifling dissent and ignoring basic rights
'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
Tayo Busayo, Abuja
DAILY COURIER — The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed deep outrage and a profound sense of betrayal following the federal government's secretive increase in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). The NLC, in a press statement released by its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, condemned the government’s actions, describing them as a violation of the understanding that was part of the recent minimum wage negotiations.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has announced an increase in the pump price of the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly called petrol.
In a notice on Tuesday, the company noted that effective 3rd September, the pump price of Petrol has been increased from N617/litre to N897/litre.
“This is to inform you that NNPC Retail Management has approved an upward review of the PMS pump price from N617/litre to N897/litre effective today, 3rd September, 2024. Please ensure all your pumps and totems (price boards)/MIDs reflect the new PMS price of N897/litre.”, the notice read.
The statement reflects the union's anger, noting that the NLC had accepted a national minimum wage of N70,000 with the expectation that the pump price of PMS would remain stable. The NLC's decision to opt for the lower minimum wage was made under the assumption that the government would not further burden Nigerians with rising fuel costs.
"We recall vividly when Mr. President gave us the devil's alternatives to choose from: either N250,000 as minimum wage (subject to the rise of the pump price between N1,500 and N2,000) and N70,000 (at old PMS rates)," the statement read. "We opted for the latter because we could not bring ourselves to accept further punishment on Nigerians."
Barely a month after these negotiations, and before the new minimum wage has even been implemented, the government has increased the fuel price, leaving the NLC and Nigerians grappling with what they describe as a “traumatic and nightmarish” reality.
The NLC also criticized the government’s approach to resolving the fuel subsidy issue, which it had previously warned was flawed. The union accused the government of ignoring its warnings and now imposing harsh economic realities on the citizens without consultation or notice.
Furthermore, the NLC highlighted past betrayals, including the unfulfilled promise to reverse a 250% electricity tariff hike. Instead of a rollback, the tariffs have continued to increase, exacerbating the economic hardship faced by Nigerians.
The labour union also condemned the government’s response to the End-Hunger/End Bad Governance protests, where many Nigerians were arrested and charged with serious crimes such as subversion and treasonable felony. The NLC accused the government of using these tactics to intimidate and silence dissenting voices while implementing harsh policies that further strain the population.
The statement warned that the secretive fuel price hike is likely just the beginning of more stringent and oppressive policies the government plans to introduce. "Now that the chickens have come to roost, we were right in our suspicions," Comrade Ajaero stated, emphasizing that the NLC would not be deterred by the government's tactics.
The NLC demanded the immediate reversal of the PMS price increase, the release of all those detained for participating in recent protests, and a halt to the indiscriminate arrest of citizens. It also called for the reversal of the electricity tariff hike and an end to the government's "culture of terror, fear, and lying."
The union vowed to continue standing with the Nigerian people and indicated that it would soon convene its appropriate organs to decide on further actions, which would be communicated to the public.
Findings by DAILY COURIER, on Tuesday, showed that most retail stations of the NNPC had adjusted to the new price of N897/litre.
The Company had lamented on Sunday, its indebtedness to oil suppliers. The company has been reeling with debts of $6bn to oil traders for supply since January. This has affected its ability to supply the local market where fuel queues have persisted since July.
The NLC’s strong stance and demands set the stage for what could be a significant confrontation with the government, as the union mobilizes to protect the rights and welfare of Nigerian workers and citizens amidst increasing economic pressures.
