The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has initiated the mobilisation of its leadership for mass protests against the recent increase in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as fuel. The announcement comes amid rising discontent over the 250 percent hike in fuel prices across the country.
In a statement, NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero condemned the fuel price hike, describing it as a “betrayal” of the Nigerian people. He called for an immediate reversal of the increase and announced that the NLC would soon meet with its organs to plan decisive actions, including potential mass protests.
“The recent hike in PMS prices by 250 percent, done surreptitiously, is a betrayal of Nigerians. We demand an immediate reversal and call for a meeting of the NLC’s organs to prepare for mass action,” Ajaero said.
The NLC outlined a series of demands, including:
1. Reversal of the recent fuel price hike: The NLC insists that the pump price of PMS must be brought back to previous levels.
2. Release of protesters: The union is calling for the immediate release of all individuals incarcerated or prosecuted for participating in recent protests.
3. End to arbitrary arrests: The NLC demands a halt to what it describes as the indiscriminate arrest and detention of citizens on trumped-up charges.
4. Reversal of the electricity tariff hike: The union is also pressing for a reversal of the 250 percent increase in electricity tariffs.
5. End to the hijacking of the Ministry of Labour’s duties: The NLC insists that the Ministry of Labour and Employment must be allowed to perform its duties without interference.
6. Policies that address hunger and insecurity: The union is urging the government to put an end to policies that worsen hunger and insecurity in the country.
7. Stop to government intimidation: The NLC condemns what it calls a culture of “terror, fear, and lying” by the government and calls for a halt to such practices.
The NLC said its demands were driven by a commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and the welfare of its people. Comrade Ajaero emphasized that the Congress’s actions are based on its belief in the country’s future and its determination to secure the rights of citizens.
“In the coming days, the appropriate organs of the Congress will be meeting to take appropriate decisions which will be made public,” Ajaero added.
The NLC’s move towards mass mobilisation signals the potential for widespread protests if the government fails to address the union’s demands. The looming action could further heighten tensions in the country as citizens grapple with the effects of fuel price hikes and rising costs of living.
