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Nigerians May Pay N5,000 Per Litre For Petrol-NLC Warns
The government had initially proposed a hike in petrol prices to N1,500 or even N2,000 per litre as part of an offer during wage discussions.
Abuja, Nigeria– The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed deep concern over the possibility of petrol prices skyrocketing to as much as N5,000 per litre, following recent hikes and ongoing economic challenges.
Benson Upah, the spokesperson for the NLC, made this during an interview with Daily Trust, warning that the Nigerian public is facing severe uncertainty and escalating hardship.
Upah noted that the country is already struggling under the burden of a 500% increase in the cost of education, transportation, and basic goods since the removal of fuel subsidies on May 29, 2023.
He stressed the growing frustration among the general populace, stating that only a small fraction of the country’s elite, the “one per cent maintained by the state,” are unaffected by the economic strains.
“We are planning to meet with the appropriate organs of the NLC to decide on the next steps,” Upah said.
“The mood within the Labour Congress is one of anger, and I must tell you that this feeling is shared by almost every Nigerian. People are struggling to come to terms with these price hikes, and it appears the worst is yet to come.”
The NLC’s concern was further heightened after a breakdown in negotiations between labour leaders and the federal government.
According to Upah, the government had initially proposed a hike in petrol prices to N1,500 or even N2,000 per litre as part of an offer during wage discussions.
The NLC rejected the proposal, citing the devastating impact it would have on the ordinary Nigerian.
“What has happened goes beyond minimum wage negotiations,” Upah stated.
“This affects the very survival of Nigerians. If the current trajectory continues, we could see petrol prices rising to N5,000 per litre, which would be catastrophic for the average citizen.”
The NLC has called on the government to rethink its approach to fuel pricing, arguing that the removal of subsidies has left Nigerians facing an unpredictable future.
“We hope it doesn’t get to the point where fuel costs N5,000 per litre, but if it does, the people will have to decide what happens next,” Upah added.