he spokesperson for the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Benson Upah, has raised concerns that fuel prices in Nigeria could surge to as high as N5,000 per litre. Speaking in an interview with Weekend Trust, Upah criticized the recent increase in petrol prices, stating that it directly contradicts the agreements previously made between the NLC and the federal government.
NLC Plans Response to Price Hikes
In response to the price hike, Upah noted that the NLC is preparing to hold a meeting to decide on a course of action. “We are planning to meet with the appropriate organs of the NLC,” he said. “Decisions will be made in the best interest of our members and the country.”
When asked what Nigerians should expect from this meeting, Upah refrained from making any predictions. He highlighted the diversity of the NLC’s membership, which includes presidents, general secretaries, treasurers, state chairmen, and secretaries from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This broad representation ensures a variety of perspectives during their discussions. “There will be robust debates,” he said, emphasizing the complexity of reaching a consensus.
Widespread Anger Over Price Increases
Upah described a nationwide sense of anger over the price hikes, which he claims is not limited to NLC members. “Virtually every Nigerian is angry,” he stated, “except the top one per cent who are insulated by the state.” He accused the government of breaking promises and increasing the suffering of the average Nigerian, following the removal of fuel subsidies on May 29, 2023.
According to Upah, the current situation goes beyond issues of minimum wage or labor negotiations. Since the removal of subsidies, the cost of education, transportation, food, and other essentials has skyrocketed by over 500%. “Nigerians have moved from pain to uncertainty,” he explained.
Alleged Breach of Agreements by the Government
Upah also accused President Bola Tinubu of betraying the union by breaching a previous agreement. He recounted a meeting where the president proposed two options: accept a new minimum wage of N250,000 with a fuel price increase to N1,500 or N2,000 per litre, or maintain the current wage at N62,000 and keep the status quo. The NLC opted to reject the N250,000 offer, considering its impact on the average Nigerian.
“Barely a month after our decision, the government violated the agreement,” Upah stated. He criticized the government for continually raising fuel prices without restoring subsidies, further burdening the public.
Concerns Over Rising Fuel Prices
Upah expressed fears that Nigerians could soon be paying as much as N5,000 per litre for petrol. He challenged the government to justify the steep price hikes, which have risen from N650 to N1,000 per litre, without any increase in the national minimum wage.
Promises Yet to Be Fulfilled
Upah expressed skepticism about the government’s promises to mitigate the effects of the subsidy removal, such as the introduction of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses. He noted that no significant progress has been made, and government assurances have largely fizzled out.
A Call for Accountability
He called out government officials and advisors who claim that the current economic hardship is necessary for a better future, accusing them of being out of touch with the reality faced by ordinary Nigerians. “Those who say we need these pains should be held accountable,” he insisted, adding that the current administration appears increasingly incapable of resolving the country’s worsening economic crisis.
Conclusion
Upah concluded with a stark warning: “We may not have seen the end of these price hikes. The decision will ultimately rest with Nigerians on how far they are willing to tolerate this situation.”
