N162: Protest Looms As NLC Rejects Hike In Petrol Price, Electricity Tariff

 

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has rejected the hike in prices of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) popularly known as petrol and electricity tariff.

This was conveyed by Ayuba Wabba, the president of the NLC. While rejecting the increase yesterday said his organisation has began consulting state organs on the next line of action as protest looms.

 

While the price of petrol was increased to N162 yesterday, electricity tariff which doubled more than twice was enforced nationwide on Tuesday. Several groups including the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected the increase, calling on the All Progressive Congress (APC) led administration headed by President Muhammadu Buhari to backtrack on its decision.

 

“It is like Nigerians are being taken for a ride,” according to  Mr Wabba.

 

“The increase in price of petroleum is like adding salt to injury.

 

“The increase in price of petroleum has happened now more than three times in three months.

 

“Only yesterday they hiked the tariff of electricity.

 

“The organised labour therefore rejects the increase in price of the product in the strongest terms.

 

“At the end of the day, Nigerians are becoming poorer and poorer.

 

“In fact, many people are already on the edge.

 

“Many workers are already on the edged.

 

“Certainly, we cannot guarantee industrial peace and harmony, and we will have to call our organs and we will have to also react, but we reject it in its entirety.

 

“They have betrayed the trust of Nigerians.

 

“For Nigerians to be protected against the economic challenge that is affecting us,” the NLC president said.