By Becky Usman

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly condemned the recent rise in the price of petrol, also known as Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), labeling it as one of the many policies that target Nigerian workers and the general public. The NLC views these measures as weapons in an ongoing war against the working class and the masses.

During the opening ceremony of a four-day program for NLC state council leaders in Lagos, President Joe Ajaero expressed concern over the deteriorating living conditions of workers and the increasing number of people living in extreme poverty. He emphasized that such actions do not reflect sound economic management.

Representing the NLC president at the event, Prince Adewale Adeyanju, Deputy President of Congress and President-General of Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, stressed that labor leaders should not abandon Nigerian workers and the population to their fate. He called for unity among trade union leaders in fighting for the rights of Nigerian workers and citizens, with the hope that these rights will eventually be restored.

Ajaero highlighted the oppressive nature of the Nigerian government, stating that successive administrations have relentlessly trampled upon the rights of the people without facing any consequences. He criticized the paradoxical nature of governance in Nigeria, where the government is expected to serve the people but instead inflicts pain and suffering upon them.

The recent hike in the price of petrol, justified by the federal government as a withdrawal of petroleum subsidy, was described as heartless and lacking alternative measures to mitigate its impact. Ajaero emphasized the need for dialogue among stakeholders before implementing such policies, rather than resorting to forceful actions that adversely affect the economy.

The NLC president warned that the government’s oppressive tactics and policies would continue unless immediate intervention takes place. He stressed that further impoverishing workers and pushing more Nigerians into poverty does not constitute effective economic management. The NLC urged trade union leaders not to stand idly by while workers and the masses bear the brunt of ill-conceived policies, asserting that the sacrifices made by poor Nigerian workers to benefit the rich is becoming unsustainable.

Ajaero concluded by affirming that the NLC has the power to put an end to these injustices and called for a united front among workers and comrades to resist these detrimental policies and prevent their continuation.