The Presidency has unequivocally stated that President Bola Tinubu never guaranteed the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) or the Trade Union Congress (TUC) that fuel prices would remain stable.
This comes on the heels of the strong condemnation of the recent hike in fuel pump price by the labour leaders who said they now feel deeply betrayed by the government’s actions.
NLC President Joe Ajaero did not hold back his criticism, arguing that the government’s recent hike in fuel prices starkly contradicts promises made during negotiations over a ₦70,000 minimum wage.
He pointedly recalled a pivotal moment when Labour unions had to choose: a ₦250,000 minimum wage with an increase in fuel prices, or the ₦70,000 wage with existing fuel rates. They chose the latter, despite recognizing its inadequacy.
He went further to demand for the federal government to retract the impending increase on the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). In a decisive five-point plan, the NLC warned that if their grievances are ignored, they will convene to strategize their next steps.
Responding to the outcry, Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Print Media, firmly rebutted claims made by Ajaero.
Abdulaziz insisted that the discussions between Tinubu and labor leaders were never tied to any assurances regarding fuel prices. He accused Ajaero of exploiting public sentiment for his own political agenda, insisting that no such promises were made during the meetings.
“I sat through the two meetings President Bola Tinubu held with Labor leaders regarding minimum wage. At neither was there any exchange related to fuel prices. Ajaero is once more engaging in his underhanded political tactics with the emotions of Nigerians,” Abdulaziz asserted on his X handle.
