By Ella Michaels
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed outrage and concern over the recent fuel price hike, warning that prices may skyrocket to N5,000 per litre if urgent action is not taken. Benson Upah, NLC spokesperson, condemned President Tinubu's decision, citing betrayal and violation of agreements reached during negotiations.
Upah emphasized that the mood among Nigerians is one of anger, except for the privileged few who are shielded from the effects of the price hike. He criticized the president's actions, saying they go beyond minimum wage negotiations and harm the general population.
The NLC rejected the president's offers of either a N250,000 minimum wage with a fuel price hike or maintaining the status quo with a N62,000 minimum wage. Upah questioned the justification for the price increase from N650 to N1,000, given the current minimum wage.
Only Adamawa State has commenced payment of the new minimum wage, with other states yet to follow suit. Upah expressed skepticism about government promises, including the provision of CNG buses and incentives, citing the example of General Ibrahim Babangida's administration, which had prepared for fuel price increases by establishing transport companies and providing soft loans.
The NLC rejected the notion that Nigerians must bear the current economic challenges for a better tomorrow, calling it an insult to their collective intelligence. Upah emphasized that those who make such comments are isolated from the pains faced by ordinary Nigerians.
