The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has expressed concern that the recent increase in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) will lead to social unrest in Nigeria.
TUC strongly opposed the hike in petroleum prices, stating that it will exacerbate poverty among workers.
In a statement released on Wednesday and signed by TUC President Festus Osifo, the union warned of the negative impacts of the petrol price increase.
The pump price of petrol was recently raised to N897 and N855 per liter on Tuesday, up from N617.
Reacting to the increase, TUC asked the Nigerian government to “immediately rescind these decisions, promote policies that will strengthen the naira, and take decisive steps to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians.”
It argued that the sudden hike “implemented without consultation with critical stakeholders,” represented a blatant disregard for the welfare of the Nigerian people, particularly the working class, who bear the brunt of such decisions.
“The sudden hike in fuel and electricity costs will only exacerbate these challenges, leading to further hardship and potential social unrest,” TUC insisted.
“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 Union added.
Earlier, the Nigeria Labour Congress had also called for the immediate reversal of the petrol price hike.
