Fuel Price Surge: NLC to Meet on Possible Protest, Strike Action

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is expected to convene its National Executive Council (NEC) next week to deliberate on possible actions, including protests or a strike, in response to the recent hike in fuel prices across the country. This follows widespread criticism after the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) raised the pump price of petrol to record levels.

According to reports, fuel prices have surged to N1,030 per litre in Abuja, N998 in Lagos, N1,070 in the North-East, N1,025 in other South-West states, N1,045 in the South-East, and N1,075 in the South-South. This development has sparked anger among Nigerians, many of whom have called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to reverse the hike.

Speaking in an interview with Arise Television, NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero stated that the NLC’s leadership would meet no later than next week to determine their course of action. He emphasized that the decision to strike or protest must come from collective discussions within the union’s leadership organs, such as the Central Working Committee (CWC) or the NEC, and not from unilateral decisions.

“Every organization has its modus operandi,” Ajaero said. “No NLC president has the right to declare a strike without first going through the proper channels. By next week, we should be able to meet and have a conversation about the next steps, ensuring that the collective decision reflects the voice of our members.”