Ayuba Wabba, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has said labour would not protest the recent increment in prices of various essential commodities, including fuel and electricity yet.
Recall that the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) announced that the pump price of premium motor spirit (petrol) has been increased to N151, 60 per litre from N145 with effect from Sept 2.
Also, electricity tariff was increased effective Sept. 1, by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) from N30.23 per one kWh to N62.33.
Speaking with NAN in Lagos on Saturday, Wabba said the Central Working Committee (CWC) of NLC would meet and agreed on appropriate action.
“Labour takes one battle at a time; it does not make an announcement without backing its action,” he said.
According to Wabba, labour had remained consistent on neo-liberal policies, and would take appropriate action in respect of the increases in order to achieve the desired result.
Speaking on the suspension on the planned strike in Rivers, the NLC president there was the need to mend fences between the state government and labour to ensure a harmonious relationship.
He said the will of the people should not always be taken for granted “as injury to one is an injury to all”.
Wabba urged 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; 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.
