Labour leader Joe Ajaero demands immediate action as fuel prices soar, calling for inclusive economic strategies.
The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, has called on the federal government to reverse the recent petrol price hike, following the latest increase announced by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). Ajaero expressed his concerns during a statement on Wednesday, criticizing the government’s frequent price increases and urging Nigerians to unite against the rising cost of living.
On Tuesday, the NNPCL raised fuel prices across the country, with the cost per litre in Abuja increasing from N897 to N1,030, in Lagos from N855 to N998, and in other regions such as the North-East and South-South reaching as high as N1,075.
Ajaero condemned the increase, highlighting the hardship it would impose on Nigerians, especially as the new minimum wage has yet to be implemented. He questioned the logic behind allowing a private company like NNPCL to set fuel prices, accusing the government of relying too heavily on ad-hoc policies without addressing the core economic issues facing the country.
“We are dismayed by the latest increase in the pump price of petrol,” Ajaero stated. “It seems like the only thing this government is known for is raising fuel prices, with no regard for the ability of Nigerians to cope or measures to mitigate the impact.”
The labour leader also emphasized that the constant price hikes were worsening poverty levels and reducing the country’s production capacity. He challenged the government to present a clear economic blueprint focused on inclusive growth, rather than relying on temporary measures that further strain the population.
Ajaero further urged Nigerians to voice their discontent, stating that the burden of opposing the hikes should not rest solely on the labour movement. He stressed that governance should not be reduced to regular increases in fuel prices, and called for a more comprehensive approach to addressing the nation’s economic challenges.
Reflecting on previous agreements, Ajaero expressed frustration that commitments to improve the Port Harcourt refinery and expand the use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) had yet to materialize.
In conclusion, the NLC president called for immediate government action, urging the reversal of the price hike and a shift towards policies that prioritize the well-being of all Nigerians.
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