By Olusegun Obisanya (Lagos)
Anthony Oparachi ( Imo State)
Amid rising pump prices of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) following subsidy removal, Nigeria’s labour unions, industry groups, and state governors have sounded alarms over escalating hardship and potential social unrest.
Labour leaders argue that the Federal Government’s repeated hikes, most recently on October 29, are pushing citizens to their breaking point. “Government is testing the patience of Nigerians,” said a labour leader who participated in an October 16 meeting with government representatives, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, urging an end to the price hikes.
The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero, echoed this sentiment, noting how fuel price increases have worsened transportation and food scarcity, leading to unprecedented levels of hunger. Addressing a conference for the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, Ajaero called for unity among workers to counter policies that prioritize profits over people. He emphasized the need for public refineries to be operational, pressing the government to recommission the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries as per their October agreement.
Labour’s warnings align with comments from the Chemical and Non-Metallic Products Employers’ Federation (CANMPEF), which highlighted how rising fuel prices are eroding household purchasing power and inflating costs across the logistics and manufacturing sectors. CANMPEF President Devakumar Edwin pointed to the devaluation of the naira and soaring foreign exchange costs as compounding the burden, urging government action to stimulate manufacturing and boost job creation.
In a related development, state governors, led by Imo State Governor and Progressive Governors Forum Chair Hope Uzodinma, criticized Nigeria’s reliance on fuel imports despite its oil-producing status. Addressing the press after a governor’s meeting in Abuja, Uzodinma emphasized the “shameful” situation of importing refined petroleum products. He called for rehabilitating Nigeria’s refineries and urged the government to explore domestic solutions, like sourcing petroleum in naira to ease affordability and drive economic growth.
The governors and labour leaders cautioned that Nigeria’s current trajectory, marked by rising costs and eroded wages, could fuel a broader crisis if the government does not act decisively
