The recent surge in fuel prices has exacerbated the economic difficulties faced by many Nigerians, with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) now selling between ₦950 and ₦1,400 per litre across various parts of the country. This increase has led to widespread confusion and hardship, including severe fuel queues that have persisted for over six weeks and the closure of numerous filling stations.
The National Labour Congress (NLC), led by President Comrade Joe Ajaero, has called for an immediate reversal of the price hike, demanding a return to the previous rate of ₦617 per litre. Ajaero criticized the government’s decision as a betrayal of a previously agreed-upon pact with the union, emphasizing that the price increase directly contradicts assurances made during wage negotiations.
Despite the NLC’s appeals, there has been no governmental response to reverse the price hike or provide a justification for the sudden change. The timing of the increase is particularly noteworthy, occurring just a day before the Dangote Group’s highly anticipated product rollout.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and other regulatory bodies have not offered any clear explanations for the hike, with NNPCL denying any directives to increase fuel prices. The lack of transparency has further fueled public frustration and skepticism.
The NLC has accused the federal government of breaching trust, recalling that during discussions on new minimum wage proposals, the government had promised not to raise petrol prices if the union agreed to compromise on wage demands. According to NLC spokesman Benson Upah, two options were proposed during these negotiations: either increase the minimum wage to ₦250,000 while allowing fuel prices to rise to ₦1,500–₦2,000 per litre, or accept a wage increase to ₦62,000 with no change in fuel prices.
Upah explained that the Labour leaders, prioritizing the well-being of ordinary Nigerians, rejected the offer of ₦250,000, opting instead to request additional time to consider the proposal. The final decision was made with a view to minimizing the impact on the average citizen.
In response to these allegations, Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, the President’s Special Assistant on Print Media, has refuted claims that the government used fuel price increases as leverage in wage negotiations. Abdulaziz described the accusations as politically motivated and stated that no such offers were made during the meetings with Labour leaders.
The NLC has stood by its claims, accusing Abdulaziz of engaging in deceptive denial and warned against undermining the integrity of NLC President Joe Ajaero. The union has urged the government to stop misleading the public and to ensure that citizens are afforded a decent and respectful standard of living free from undue hardship and exploitation.
The presidency has been advised to recognize that misinformation and false promises will not hold up indefinitely, as the public remains vigilant and demanding accountability.
