The NLC accuses Tinubu of undercutting labor efforts by manipulating fuel prices amid the push for a N70,000 minimum wage. Discover the unfolding controversy and its implications for workers.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) asserted on Thursday that President Bola Tinubu has betrayed organized labor, utilizing the price of Premium Motor Spirit, commonly referred to as petrol, as a means of manipulation.

The organized labor indicated that during the negotiations that led to the acceptance of the N70,000 wage, President Tinubu had presented the option of maintaining the current petrol price without any increase.

NLC President Joe Ajaero made these remarks at the commencement of a two-day workshop in Lagos entitled “Minimum Wage Implementation Workshop, Southern Zone.” Ajaero expressed concern over attempts to divert the labor movement’s focus through allegations related to “cybercrime, financing terrorism, and other similar accusations.” He emphasized that the rising cost of petrol has negated the advantages of the yet-to-be-implemented N70,000 national minimum wage, urging the government to promptly address the urgent issues of hunger, poverty, and frustration that are impacting Nigerians.

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Ajaero recounted his discussions with President Tinubu prior to the acceptance of the N70,000 minimum wage, noting that during these negotiations, the president had offered the choice of accepting the N70,000 wage without any further increase in fuel prices. Alternatively, he stated that the president had presented a choice between a higher wage of N250,000 and an increase in fuel prices.

Ajaero explained that the labor movement chose the N70,000 option, taking into account the potential adverse effects that a rise in fuel prices would have on the populace if labor were to agree to a wage of N250,000. “There is a strategy to divert our focus, to label us, and to make allegations against us regarding cybercrime, financing terrorism, and similar matters.

These tactics have proven effective, as while we contend with these accusations, the issue of fuel prices persists. I reiterate, we have been betrayed by the President. The statement we issued regarding our betrayal is being refuted by government officials. I am reiterating that we have indeed been betrayed. Some of you present were witnesses to the meeting when this transpired.”