Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has said the organised labour would at appropriate time come out with a position on the recent increases in prices of various essential commodities, including fuel and electricity.
NLC President, Ayuba Wabba, stated this while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Saturday in reaction to the increases in the prices of petrol and electricity.
NAN reports that the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) announced that the ex-depot price of premium motor spirit (petrol) has been increased to N151.60 per litre from N138.62 with effect from September 2.
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Also, electricity tariff was increased effective September 1 by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) from N30.23 per one kwh to N62.33.
Wabba, who spoke on the issues, said the organised labour would not protest until the Central Working Committee (CWC) has been able to meet and agree on appropriate action.
He said: “Labour takes one battle at a time. It does not make announcement without backing it with action.”
The labour leader noted that NLC has remained consistent on neo-liberal policies, and would take appropriate action in respect of the increases in order to achieve desired result.
He added that it was high time Nigeria started refining products locally to solve importation challenges.
On the suspended planned protest against Rivers State Government, Wabba said there was the need to mend fences between the state and labour to ensure harmonious relationship.
He pointed out that the will of the people should not always be taken for granted “as injury to one is injury to all.”
Wabba called on other state governments to take appropriate steps toward addressing labour issues so as to avoid the wrath of the organised labour.
“We will take up any state that undermines the rights of workers. Workers should be conscious of their rights.
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“There is synergy and we will confront recalcitrant employers to respect the law, so that we don’t give room for sudden situations to rise,” Wabba said.
He explained that Rivers State Government and labour unions have concluded negotiations on minimum wage, and the enabling circular would be released for a collective bargaining agreement to be signed.
Idowu Sowunmi
