By Aaior K. Comfort
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) of Nigeria has voiced strong condemnation of the recent increase in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol. The TUC, in a statement issued on Wednesday by its President, Festus Osifo, has called for an immediate reversal of the price hike, expressing deep concern about the impact on Nigerians.
Osifo criticized the abrupt increase, which was announced on Tuesday, for exacerbating poverty, intensifying existing hardships, and potentially triggering social unrest. He described the move as a “blatant disregard” for the welfare of the Nigerian people, particularly affecting the working class who are most vulnerable to such economic shifts.
The TUC statement read, “The burden of PMS price increase is huge and percolates all facets of our socio-economic life. This sudden hike, implemented without consultation with critical stakeholders, represents a blatant disregard for the welfare of the Nigerian people.”
The union also expressed alarm over the simultaneous increase in electricity tariffs by 250 percent, which it argues further strains the already beleaguered finances of ordinary Nigerians. The statement highlighted that these increases come in the context of unprecedented national hardship and lack of meaningful social security measures.
The TUC questioned why ordinary Nigerians are left to bear the brunt of these price hikes while those in power continue to enjoy increased allocations and affluence. The statement criticized the government for failing to take steps to reduce the cost of governance or implement policies aimed at strengthening the naira and improving the standard of living.
“The government has not made any concerted efforts to reduce the cost of governance or personal effects, nor have they focused on directing resources or effecting policies that would strengthen the naira and improve the standard of living of our citizens,” the TUC lamented.
The Congress reiterated its call for the activation of strategies to improve the naira’s strength and provide value for every kobo spent by Nigerians, emphasizing that addressing these economic issues is crucial for alleviating the country’s current woes.