The President of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), Festus Osifo, warned on Wednesday the latest increase in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) would worsen the poverty level in the country.
Osifo, who issued the warning in a statement, said the TUC leadership received the news of the fuel price hike with grave concern.
He stressed that the burden of fuel price increase was huge and percolates all facets of our socio-economic life.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited on Tuesday increased the price of the product across its retail outlets from 568 to ₦885 per litre.
This followed a denial by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, that the Federal Government had approved an increase in fuel prices.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Tuesday condemned the fuel price hike and demanded the immediate reversal of the decision.
Osifo said: “This sudden hike, implemented without consultation with critical stakeholders, represents a blatant disregard for the welfare of the Nigerian people, particularly the working class who bear the brunt of such decisions.
“The disturbing news of the increase in PMS pump price all over the country has sent a wave of apprehension and depression across the length and breadth of the nation.
“This is in the wake of an already existing unprecedented hardship upon citizens.”
He said the TUC was deeply troubled by the further hike in electricity tariffs by 250 percent, adding that electricity was essential for the survival of the poorest in the society.
Osifo faulted the timing and magnitude of the increases.
“Why does it have to be the common Nigerians bearing all the pains of high cost of living while those in power enjoy increased allocation and affluence?
“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.
“The government must act swiftly to restore confidence and prevent further deterioration in the living conditions of its citizens.
“The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria remains committed to defending the rights and interests of Nigerian workers and will continue to advocate for policies that promote social justice, fair wages, and a decent work environment,” he concluded.
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