The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on Nigerians to unite and protest the recent hike in fuel prices. NLC President, Joe Ajaero, made this appeal on Wednesday in Abuja during the unveiling of The Tripartite: Understanding the Interplay between Workers, Employers, and Government, a book authored by Sharon Ijasan.
Ajaero emphasised that resisting the rise in petrol prices is a national issue, not just one for organised labour. He stated, “Nigerians are expecting the labour movement to react to this hike. But, the issue at stake is more than the labour movement. If we can get some naira or are unable to get it, only workers will benefit from that. What I think Nigerians should do is to mobilise and react as a collective.”
He further highlighted the severe impact of the latest price increases on the lives of Nigerians, saying, “It needs no stating the fact that the latest wave of increase has grossly altered the calculations of Nigerians once again at a time they were reluctantly coming to terms with their new realities.”
Ajaero also criticised the government for repeatedly raising fuel prices without addressing the fundamental issue of reviving the nation’s refineries. He revealed that the Congress has received 14 CNG-powered vehicles but lamented the scarcity of refilling stations across the country.
