The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly condemned the latest increase in the pump price of petrol, urging the federal government to reverse the decision immediately.
This follows the announcement that the price of premium motor spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, has surpassed N1,000 per litre at filling stations nationwide.
READ ALSO: NLC demands release of Ajaero, condemns detention
In a statement issued on Wednesday, NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, criticised the government for raising fuel prices without implementing measures to ease the burden on struggling Nigerians.
Ajaero expressed concern that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) is acting as a monopoly by controlling fuel prices, which goes against the principles of a competitive market.
“We are dismayed by the latest increase in the pump price of petrol. It looks like the only thing this government is known for is increasing the pump price of petrol without commensurate capacity of Nigerians or mitigatory measures,” Ajaero said.
He further called on the government to develop a long-term economic plan, instead of relying on short-term solutions and palliatives. According to Ajaero, the continuous price hikes will only worsen poverty, reduce production capacity, and lead to further job losses.
“The latest wave of increase has grossly altered the calculations of Nigerians once again at a time they were reluctantly coming to terms with their new realities,” he added.
The NLC urged the government to not only reverse the recent hike but also to communicate its economic vision clearly to the public, rather than imposing sudden and disruptive measures.
