The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has raised concerns that petrol prices in Nigeria could skyrocket to as high as N5,000 per litre. This warning comes after reports that petrol prices at Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) filling stations have already surged to over N850 per litre, a drastic increase from the previous N568.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Benson Upah, the spokesperson for the NLC, expressed alarm during an interview with *Daily Trust*, stating that the fuel price hike violates the agreement reached between the union and the federal government. He warned that the situation could worsen, with Nigerians potentially facing even higher costs for fuel.
Upah criticized the recent price adjustments, noting that they contradict previous promises made during negotiations with the presidency.
“We are planning to meet with the appropriate organs of the Nigerian Labour Congress to take decisions in the best interest of our members and the country,”
he said.
He highlighted the widespread public anger over the situation, stating that nearly all Nigerians, aside from the top one per cent, are feeling the strain. “Every Nigerian is complaining,” he remarked.
Upah also recounted a past negotiation where the president proposed either a N250,000 minimum wage with petrol prices rising to N1,500 or N2,000 per litre, or maintaining the N62,000 wage with stable fuel prices. The NLC ultimately rejected the higher wage offer due to concerns over its impact on ordinary Nigerians.
The union spokesperson emphasized that the rising fuel prices have brought more than just financial hardship, citing a 500 per cent hike in the cost of education, transportation, and basic necessities. He added that Nigerians are now facing increasing uncertainty as the cost of living continues to rise.
Upah concluded by warning that the country may be on a path to even higher fuel costs, possibly reaching N5,000 per litre, urging Nigerians to prepare for the possibility.
