NLC threatens nationwide strike over petrol price hike

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a stern ultimatum to the President Bola Tinubu administration, demanding the reversal of “anti-poor” policies, particularly the recent hike in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol.

Following a Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting on Tuesday, the NLC warned that if the Federal Government fails to address their concerns within seven days, they will initiate a total and indefinite strike starting on Wednesday, August 2, 2023.

The communique, co-signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero and General Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja, expressed discontent with the government’s disregard for the well-being of Nigerian workers and the masses. They accused the government of treating citizens as “slaves” and pursuing policies that only benefit the rich.

Part of the communique read, “The Federal Government has continued in an unholy mission of robbing the poor to pay the rich in Nigeria, as typified by its continued frustration of the activation of the agreed alternatives to Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and new hike in prices of PMS to N617 per litre.”

The NLC demanded the immediate reversal of the recent PMS price hike, along with other anti-poor policies such as increased public school fees and the release of withheld salaries for university lecturers and workers. They also called for the swift inauguration of the Presidential Steering Committee.

The ultimatum presented the government with a seven-day window to meet the NLC’s demands and avoid a nationwide strike. If their grievances remain unaddressed, the NLC vowed to lead and organize mass protest rallies across the country to express their outrage against the government’s actions and policies, which they deemed inhumane.