The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) yesterday put its members on alert over a likely hike in pump price.
It has commenced mobilisation to shut down the economy, should the Federal Government proceed with its proposed increase of the Premium Motor Spirit from N162 to N340 by next year, 2022.
The Congress warned that Organised Labour would not fold its hands and watch the Federal Government push more Nigerians below the poverty line
It said any attempt to increase the price of petrol would affect every Nigerian regardless of their status.
The Federal Government last month hinted at a possible fuel hike given the heavy burden of subsidy on the government.
Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer Mele Kyari said petrol will sell between N320 and N340 per litre from February.
He said Nigeria would be out of the subsidy regime in the first quarter of 2022, but that the Federal Government plans to give N5,000 each to 40 million citizens to cushion the effects.
NLC President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, who spoke at the 17th NLC Harmattan School in Ilorin, Kwara State, insisted that contrary to some views by seasoned labour unionist Chief Frank Kokori, the Congress was out to empower its members to be better equipped in tackling unfavourable policies that would further impoverish Nigerians.
He said: “The concept of accepting deregulation hook line and sinker anchored on import-driven price model is not something that we can accept. We have said that without mincing words.
Wabba faulted the government’s proposed N5,000 transport allowance to 40 million Nigerians.
