The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has raised concerns over the recent increase in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol), warning that it could lead to social unrest across the country.
The union expressed its disapproval of the hike, emphasizing that it would further deepen poverty among Nigerian workers.
In a statement signed by its president, Festus Osifo, on Wednesday, TUC condemned the price surge, which saw petrol rise from N617 to between N855 and N897 per litre on Tuesday.
The union called for immediate action from the government, urging it to reverse the decision and implement measures to ease the suffering of the populace.
“The sudden hike in fuel and electricity costs will only exacerbate these challenges, leading to further hardship and potential social unrest,” TUC noted. “We urge the government to immediately rescind these decisions, promote policies that will strengthen the naira, and take decisive steps to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians.”
TUC argued that the increase, which was imposed without consulting key stakeholders, reflected a disregard for the welfare of ordinary Nigerians, particularly the working class. The union stressed the need for urgent interventions to stabilize the economy and reduce the burden on citizens.
“The government must act swiftly to restore confidence and prevent further deterioration in the living conditions of its citizens,” the statement added.
This follows a similar outcry from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), which has also called for the immediate reversal of the fuel price hike. Both labor unions have warned that the continuous increase in the cost of living could lead to widespread dissatisfaction and unrest.
