NLC Warns of Impending Strike Over Fuel Subsidy Amidst Petrol Price Increase
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a stern warning, indicating their intention to initiate a nationwide strike should the government push petrol prices beyond 617 naira per litre.
During an African Trade Union alliance gathering in Abuja, NLC President Joe Ajaero conveyed this ultimatum, underscoring the union’s refusal to accept any additional petrol price hikes, which they deem unlawful.
Amidst the context of a fluctuating exchange rate, petroleum marketers have suggested that petrol prices might surge to a range of N680 to N720 per litre in the upcoming weeks, reliant on the dollar’s performance at the parallel market, which currently hovers between N910 and N950. Marketers have also highlighted their difficulties in securing foreign exchange for petrol imports, leading to supply constraints.
Although the NLC had previously postponed their strike plans after engaging with President Bola Tinubu in July, the union now signals a renewed readiness to initiate a strike unless the government addresses their grievances concerning the escalating petrol prices.
This strike threat emerges against the backdrop of an already struggling Nigerian economy. Criticisms of the government’s economic management have been mounting, and the potential strike action is anticipated to amplify the challenges faced by the administration.