New Telegraph-Admin 
Following the hardship the recently increased pump price of petrol has caused for Nigerians, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called for an immediate reversal, saying the hike, devaluation of naira, and unrelenting increases in electricity tariffs have compounded the hardships faced by ordinary Nigerians.
Speaking in Lagos at the 2024 Annual Workshop of Labour Writers Association of Nigeria (LAWAN), the President of NLC, Comrade Joe Ajaero, said Nigerian workers and citizens had been gripped by a crisis of survival.
He stressed that the crisis was not an accident of fate but a direct consequence of ill-thoughtout and ill implemented policies by the President Bola Tinubled Federal Government.
According to him, “as we engage the forces of retrogression, we want you to continue being on our side and continue holding our hands. It is your responsibility to continue letting Nigerians know the truth even as we traverse the various barricades of intimidation and harassment in all guises.
“You must investigate and unearth the hidden truth and give vent to them. This is the sacred creed of our noble journalistic profession. That is why we call on all of you to join us in our quest to interrogate this recent hike in the price of petrol by the federal government as we once again, demand an immediate reversal.”
He said unchecked corruption and fiscal indiscipline had paved the way for an ostentatious lifestyle among political office holders, with little regard for the suffering masses.
The labour leader pointed out that the impact of these policies on the everyday lives of Nigerian workers and their families had been nothing short of devastating.
“The hike in petrol prices has led to an astronomical increase in transportation and food costs, which has, in turn, strained household budgets beyond breaking point. “The devaluation of the naira has eroded the purchasing power of the average Nigerian, leading to a situation where even basic necessities are becoming increasingly unaftordable.
“Meanwhile, electricity tariffs continue to soar, forcing many into darkness and stifling small businesses, which are the backbone of our economy.
“As we grapple with these challenges, we must also confront the rampant corruption that siphons off resources meant for public good. “The lavish lifestyles of political office holders stand in stark contrast to the daily struggles of the average Nigerian worker, creating a chasm of inequality that undermines the very fabric of our society.”
