The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and former Vice President, Abubakar Atiku, weekend, warned that the increase in petrol price by the federal government has put most Nigerians at a breaking point.
This came as human rights lawyer, Mr Femi Falana, SAN, yesterday urged the Federal Government to ensure the completion of rehabilitation of the nation’s refineries by September 2024 or take legal action against the contractors for breaching their contracts.
This is even as the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, also yesterday asked President Bola Tinubu to direct the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, to immediately reverse the apparently “illegal and unconstitutional” hike in the pump price of petrol across its retail outlets.
While the NLC asked Nigerians to revolt against the price hike, Atiku said the situation of the average Nigerian and the economy will be further compounded by plans by the government to increase Value Added Tax, VAT, coming on the heels of the recent hike in petrol price.
NLC, which insisted on the reversal of the price increase, specifically called on Nigerians to join the government’s quest to interrogate the horrifying petrol price hike.
President of NLC, Joel Ajaero, who was represented by the Deputy President and President-General of Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, MWUN, Prince Adewale Adeyanju, stated this at the 2024 annual workshop organised by Labour Writers Association of Nigeria, LAWAN, with the theme “Challenges of Nigeria’s Economic Downturn: Survival Options for Workers.’’
He said: “As we engage the forces of retrogression, we want you to continue being on our side. 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. Refuse to be intimidated.
Cr!sis of survival
“Today, we gather amid a cr!sis of survival that has gripped Nigerian workers and citizens. This crisis is not an accident of fate but a direct consequence of ill-thought-out and ill-implemented policies by the Tinubu-led federal government.
‘’The h!ke in the price of petrol, the devaluation of the naira, and the unrelenting increases in electricity tariffs have compounded the ha.rdships faced by ordinary Nigerians.
“Moreover, unchecked corruption and fiscal indiscipline have paved the way for an ostentatious lifestyle among political office holders, with little regard for the suffering masses.
The impact of these policies on the everyday lives of Nigerian workers and their families has 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 unaffordable.
“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.
“In the midst of these challenges, the NLC has fought relentlessly to secure a fair wage for Nigerian workers. After sustained struggle and negotiations, we achieved the landmark agreement on the N70,000 national minimum wage, which has been signed into law.
‘’This achievement is a testament to the resilience and commitment of Nigerian workers and their representatives. Yet, despite this victory, the implementation of the minimum wage remains elusive and speaks to the nature of the battle ahead.
“We, therefore, call on your members to join us in this struggle the same way you did during the negotiation process so that together, we can enjoy whatever benefits it contains. Do not think it is for us, NLC, alone. It is for you too. It affects all of us so, we must all collectivise our effort to ensure victory at the various levels – state or sectoral.’’
VAT, fuel price hikes will w0rsen Nigeria’s cost-of-living crisis — Atiku
On his part, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, in a statement via his X handle yesterday, said the move to increase VAT could become a “blazing inferno that will consume the very essence of our people.”
He noted that this move, coming on the heels of the increase in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit, also known as petrol, by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, NNPCL, was “destined to deepen the domestic cost-of-living crisis and exacerbate Nigeria’s already fragile economic growth.”
He said: “The increase in VAT is set to become the blazing inferno that will consume the very essence of our people… Tinubu’s actions reflect a profound insensitivity to the plight of the less fortunate as he indulges in the opulent renovation of villas and the acquisition of new jets and vehicles for himself and his family.
“President Bola Tinubu, alongside his coterie of advisers, has resolved to raise the VAT rate from 7.5 per cent to 10 per cent, even as the NNPCL has announced a soaring PMS price increase at the pump.
“This move unveils a new era of regressive and punitive policies, and its impact is destined to deepen the domestic cost-of-living crisis and exacerbate Nigeria’s already fragile economic growth.
“President Tinubu and his entourage seem to be resorting to their familiar tactic: heaping burdens upon the impoverished, while steadfastly ignoring their extravagant excesses!
“One does not need to be an economist to grasp the ominous implications of President Tinubu’s ill-conceived policies for Nigeria’s future. The relentless rise in taxes and interest rates has proven excessively onerous, debilitating businesses of all sizes and leading to job losses while intensifying the suffering of the poor.”
Similarly, he said the manufacturing sector, in particular, has endured relentless strife since Tinubu assumed power, with its contribution to GDP diminishing by over 20 per cent since December 2023, as reported by the NBS.
“In early August, Tinubu turned his attention to agriculture. As is customary with this administration, a new policy was clandestinely formulated and announced, permitting duty-free importation of agricultural commodities such as wheat, maize, and paddy, despite vehement opposition from farmer groups nationwide.
“This policy poses a grave threat to Nigeria’s food security ambitions, as local farmers, facing unfair competition from low-cost producers in Asia, Europe, and America, are compelled to reduce or entirely abandon their production efforts.
‘’It jeopardises job creation, wealth generation, and the sector’s long-term prosperity, casting a shadow over Nigeria’s sustainability and development,’’ Atiku said.
Peoplesmind