Labour unions leaders have raised strong concerns over recent increases in petrol prices, warning the Federal Government that continued hikes are intensifying the economic strain on citizens.
According to the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero, these repeated fuel price increases are pushing Nigerians to a point of desperation and frustration.
Labour representatives argue that the government should expect potential public unrest if it fails to address the escalating hardships faced by Nigerians.
They describe the current situation as one where “even a goat can bite when pushed to the wall,” cautioning that the citizens’ silence may not last indefinitely.
Leaders emphasized that the country’s economic conditions, especially for the lower-income population, have reached a breaking point, compounded by frequent fuel hikes linked to subsidy removal.
Additionally, the Chemical and Non-Metallic Products Employer’s Federation (CANMPEF) noted that the ripple effects of these fuel increases are significant, impacting multiple sectors.
CANMPEF stated that the rise in petrol prices has sharply driven up transportation and logistics costs, raised production expenses for businesses, and further strained household incomes.
This increase has weakened the purchasing power of many Nigerian families, leaving them unable to meet basic needs amid skyrocketing living costs.
Adding to the concerns, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) reported issues in the supply chain, stating that its members have been forced to wait for extended periods to load petrol from the Dangote Refinery in Lagos.
Despite paying a substantial sum of N40 billion to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), they face delays in receiving products.
IPMAN representatives believe that allowing marketers to purchase directly from the refinery could potentially lower petrol costs for the average Nigerian.
Labour representatives recently met with the Federal Government on October 16 to discuss these challenges. According to an attendee who spoke with VANGUARD, officials were informed of the “frustration, hunger, misery, and general restiveness” affecting citizens across the nation.
He said: “We had thought that the Federal Government will halt the incessant increase in the pump price of petrol after our October 16 meeting, where we made the government representatives, led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation understand the level of frustration, hunger, misery and general restiveness across the country.
‘’Sincerely, we thought the government would give the people a breathing space and suspend the increases. The government is testing the patience of Nigerians. I can tell you that government is pushing the citizens to a boiling point.
“This latest increase yesterday (Tuesday, October 29) is one increase too many and a bitter pill to swallow. The increases are pushing the citizens to the limit.
“Government should not be surprised if the people of Nigeria decide to react in an unexpected way that will shock those in government. The people are really angry, frustrated, hopeless and are moving to a point where they may vent their anger in an unusual way that may be difficult to curtail.
‘’You cannot continue to flog a child and tell him not to cry. Hunger is everywhere, apart from the people in power or their friends and relations.
“The frustration and suffering in the country were also highlighted a few days ago during the meeting of the 19 Northern governors, alongside traditional rulers, among others. Across the country, people are just waiting for something to ignite the fire.
“Increasingly, the government is providing the fuel that will ignite the fire. What is probably left is someone to light the matches. We (Labour) have been urging the government to jettison the anti-people policies and lessen the pain, suffering, hunger, poverty and frustration to no avail.
“We have been cautious, thinking the government will allow common sense, empathy and the reality of the mass suffering of the citizens to drive its actions and inactions. Unfortunately, the reverse has been the case. It is getting to the time when the bubble will burst. Even a goat can bite when pushed to the wall.
