The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) announced on Thursday that it plans to engage in discussions with the federal government regarding strategies to help workers cope with the recent surge in petrol prices.
NLC observed that the current petrol prices have negated the benefits of the proposed N70,000 national minimum wage.
Its President, Joe Ajaero disclosed at the opening of a two-day workshop in Lagos titled “Minimum Wage Implementation Workshop, Southern Zone.”
Speaking at the workshop, Ajaero accused President Bola Tinubu of misleading organised labour into accepting the N70,000 minimum wage to prevent a petrol price hike.
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He urged the government to address the severe hunger, poverty, and frustration affecting Nigerians, warning that the situation could escalate if not handled promptly.
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Reflecting on the discussions with Tinubu prior to the agreement on the N70,000 minimum wage, Ajaero stated that Nigerians seemed to be adapting to the current conditions due to the government’s distractions.
He said:
“There is a tactic to divert our focus, accusing us of cybercrime, financing terrorism, and other allegations. These distractions have allowed the issue of petrol prices to persist.”
Ajaero reiterated that organised labour felt betrayed by the President, despite government officials denying this claim.
He recounted a meeting where Tinubu pressured them to choose between a N250,000 minimum wage and a petrol price increase, which they ultimately rejected.
Ajaero also mentioned that the President offered to fund a trip to West African countries to observe petrol prices, which they declined, fearing it would be perceived as a bribe.
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