The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged the Federal Government to take urgent action over the sharp rise in petrol prices, which now range between ₦1,170 and ₦1,300 per litre nationwide. The labour union warned that the increase is worsening the economic hardship faced by Nigerian workers and ordinary citizens.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, said the surge in fuel prices is driving up transportation costs, food prices, and other basic living expenses, placing an additional burden on already struggling households. He called on the government to immediately introduce relief measures to cushion the impact on workers and vulnerable Nigerians.
Ajaero said the sudden spike in petrol prices has further aggravated the country’s already challenging economic situation.
“The sudden increase in petrol price to between ₦1,170 and ₦1,300 per litre has further deepened the economic hardship faced by Nigerian workers and the general populace,” he said.
He explained that the high cost of fuel has made daily transportation increasingly unaffordable for many workers, while the prices of food and other essential goods continue to climb.
“The rising cost of fuel has made transportation increasingly unaffordable for workers, while food prices and other essential commodities continue to surge beyond the reach of ordinary Nigerians,” Ajaero added.
The NLC president therefore urged the Federal Government to introduce immediate support measures, including wage support and cost-of-living relief programmes, to ease the burden on workers and vulnerable citizens.
Ajaero also noted that the current situation underscores the vulnerability of Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector to fluctuations in the global market. According to him, the government must ensure that the country’s public refineries become fully operational in order to reduce dependence on imported petroleum products.
He said reviving the nation’s refineries would help stabilise domestic fuel supply and shield Nigerians from sudden price shocks in the future.
In addition, Ajaero called on the government to consider tax relief for low-income earners and to expand social support programmes for vulnerable citizens, noting that such measures would help families cope with mounting economic pressure.
He further urged transparency in the management of any additional oil revenue that may arise from rising global crude oil prices. According to him, any windfall from such developments should be channelled towards improving the welfare of Nigerians rather than being mismanaged.
Ajaero also called for sincere dialogue between the government and organised labour to address the growing economic challenges confronting Nigerian workers.
