The Nigerian Labour Congress President, Joe Ajaero, has urged Nigerians to organize mass protests against the recent fuel price hike implemented by President Bola Tinubu’s government.
The fuel price hike, which saw prices rise above N1,030 per litre, has sparked widespread discontent. Ajaero believes that this issue goes beyond the labour movement and requires a unified response from all Nigerians, according to the PUNCH.
Ajaero made this call at a book launch in Abuja, where he emphasized that the labour movement alone cannot address the issue. He stressed that collective action is necessary to bring about change.
This development comes months after the NLC withdrew from a nationwide protest over economic hardships. Ajaero’s leadership has faced criticism for its perceived passivity in addressing workers’ welfare and economic hardships.
The NLC had previously agreed to a minimum wage review of N70,000 with the federal government and several states. However, the continuous fuel price hikes have significantly eroded the value of this increase, which has yet to be implemented.
The call to action by Ajaero highlights the growing discontent among Nigerians over the government’s economic policies. As the situation continues to unfold, many are watching to see how the government will respond to the growing pressure.
The NLC’s next move will be closely watched, as workers and citizens alike await concrete actions to address the economic challenges facing the nation.
“Nigerians are expecting the labour movement to react to this hike. But, the issue at stake is more than the labour movement,” Mr Ajaero said at a book launch in Abuja.
He added, “If we can get some naira or are unable to get it, only workers will benefit from that. What I think Nigerians should do is to mobilise and react as a collective.”
