Nigerian Labour Congress Slams Petrol Price Hike, Calls it “Height of Insensitivity

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly condemned the recent hike in petrol prices, describing it as the “height of insensitivity” against the masses. The NLC’s reaction comes after the pump prices of petrol rose to between N1,050 and N1,150 per litre, following an increase in the cost of crude oil.

The NLC’s Concerns

According to Prof. Theophilus Ndubuaku, the Deputy President of the NLC’s Political Commission, the petrol price hike will have far-reaching consequences, including increased inflation, rising food prices, and a decline in the value of the naira. Ndubuaku argued that the government should have engaged in a roundtable discussion with stakeholders, including workers, the private sector, and students, before making such a significant decision.

The Tinubunomics Critique

Ndubuaku also criticized the government’s economic policies, which he dubbed “Tinubunomics.” He argued that the government’s refusal to subsidize fuel, while also failing to provide alternative transportation options, such as CNG buses, is a recipe for disaster. The NLC official called on the government to adopt a more inclusive approach to decision-making, involving stakeholders in the discussion and analysis of the consequences of its policies.

The Way Forward

The NLC’s condemnation of the petrol price hike is a clear indication of the growing discontent among Nigerians regarding the government’s economic policies. As the government continues to grapple with the challenges of fuel subsidy removal, inflation, and economic instability, it is essential that it engages in a more inclusive and transparent decision-making process, involving all stakeholders, to find a way forward that works for all Nigerians.