The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has demanded the immediate reversal of the latest fuel price hike by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), describing it as an aberration.
In a statement by its President, Joe Ajaero, the NLC criticized the federal government, led by President Bola Tinubu, for continuously increasing fuel prices without offering Nigerians any relief.
The NLC expressed dismay at the recent hike, which saw petrol prices rise to N1,030 per litre, questioning how a private company like NNPCL could be setting prices in a deregulated sector.
“We find it an aberration that a private company (NNPCL) is the one fixing prices and projecting itself as a hegemonic monopoly,” the NLC said.
The union further argued that previous increases in petrol prices have only worsened poverty in the country, with no positive impact on Nigerians.
Ajaero urged the government to reverse the latest hike and present a comprehensive blueprint for economic growth instead of relying on “ad hoc” measures.
“The latest increase will further deepen poverty, as production capacities dip and more jobs are lost,” the statement read.
The NLC called on the government to be transparent about its long-term plans for the country and to address the growing economic challenges faced by its citizens.