The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed outrage over the recent petrol price increase, accusing President Bola Tinubu of betraying the organization after promising to stabilize fuel costs during minimum wage negotiations.
Speaking at a workshop in Lagos on Thursday, NLC President Joe Ajaero disclosed that labour leaders had agreed to a N70,000 minimum wage, believing petrol prices would remain unchanged.
Ajaero revealed that Tinubu had presented an ultimatum during discussions: either accept a N250,000 minimum wage with a petrol price hike to N1,500-N2,000 or settle for N70,000 with stable fuel costs.
Labour opted for the lower wage to protect Nigerians from soaring fuel prices, but Ajaero lamented that the government has since failed to honor its commitment.
READ ALSO: NLC demands immediate release of Comrade Ajaero, places all affiliates on red alert
“We were betrayed by Mr. President,” Ajaero stated. “The current petrol price has eroded any gains from the wage increase, leaving Nigerians to suffer.”
Ajaero accused the government of using allegations of cybercrime and terrorism as distractions to deflect from the petrol price issue, warning that further salary increases amidst price hikes would harm the economy.
He also criticized private sector employers for resisting the N70,000 wage and noted that ongoing economic conditions could lead to broader unrest.
The NLC has demanded the reversal of the petrol price hike, citing the growing hunger, poverty, and frustration among citizens. With tensions escalating, the possibility of nationwide protests looms, as the government faces mounting pressure to address the crisis.