The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has condemned the recent increase in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol), warning that it will worsen poverty among workers and lead to social unrest.
In a statement signed by its president, Festus Osifo, on Wednesday, the union described the sudden hike as a “blatant disregard for the welfare of the Nigerian people, particularly the working class.” The statement read, “We urge the government to immediately rescind these decisions, promote policies that will strengthen the naira, and take decisive steps to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians.”
The TUC argued that the increase, which saw the pump price of petrol rise to N897 and N855 per liter from N617, would exacerbate the challenges faced by workers, leading to further hardship and potential social unrest. “The sudden hike in fuel and electricity costs will only exacerbate these challenges, leading to further hardship and potential social unrest,” the union insisted.
The TUC has called on the government to act swiftly to restore confidence and prevent further deterioration in the living conditions of its citizens. “The government must act swiftly to restore confidence and prevent further deterioration in the living conditions of its citizens,” the union added.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has also joined the TUC in condemning the fuel price hike, calling for its immediate reversal. The labour unions’ stance is a clear indication of the widespread discontent among Nigerians over the government’s decision to increase the pump price of petrol.
