Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) President Joe Ajaero has called on Nigerians to mobilize for mass protests in response to the latest fuel price hike implemented by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Ajaero stated that the issue is beyond the labour movement, emphasizing that a united response from citizens is needed to counteract the rising economic pressure.
The call comes after the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) announced an increase in fuel prices, pushing pump rates above N1,030 per litre. Speaking at a book launch in Abuja, Ajaero acknowledged the growing frustration among Nigerians, noting that the labour movement alone cannot address the scale of the crisis.
“Nigerians are expecting the labour movement to react to this hike. But the issue at stake is more than the labour movement,” Ajaero said. He urged citizens to organize and respond collectively to the worsening economic situation.
Ajaero’s comments follow months of inaction by the NLC, despite widespread economic hardship and a history of sporadic protests. In August, the NLC withdrew from a planned nationwide protest citing a need for further dialogue. However, Ajaero has faced criticism for not taking stronger action as fuel prices and inflation continue to squeeze workers’ living standards.
The NLC recently agreed on a minimum wage increase to N70,000 after prolonged negotiations with the federal government and state representatives. Yet, the value of this agreement has been significantly undermined by continuous fuel price hikes, with many states yet to implement the new wage structure.
As Nigerians struggle to cope with rising costs, Ajaero’s appeal for mass action signals a shift from his previous approach, suggesting that broader social mobilization may be the only effective response.
