The Nigeria Labour Congress has urged the Federal Government to urgently intervene in the rising cost of petrol, warning that the latest increase in pump prices to between N1,170 and N1,300 per litre is worsening the economic hardship faced by Nigerian workers.
The labour union made the call in a statement issued by its President, Joe Ajaero, who said the escalating fuel price had significantly raised transportation costs, food prices and the general cost of living across the country.
Ajaero lamented that the sudden surge in petrol prices had further eroded the purchasing power of workers and pushed many Nigerians into deeper financial distress.
He said, “The sudden increase in petrol price to between N1,170 and N1,300 per litre has further deepened the economic hardship faced by Nigerian workers and the general populace.
“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.”
The labour leader called on the Federal Government to immediately introduce relief measures, including wage support and policies aimed at cushioning the effects of the fuel price hike on workers and vulnerable citizens.
According to him, the situation has once again exposed the fragility of Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector and its vulnerability to global market fluctuations.
Ajaero stressed the need for the government to prioritise the revival of the country’s public refineries to reduce reliance on imported petroleum products.
He noted that making the nation’s refineries fully operational would help stabilise domestic fuel supply and protect Nigerians from frequent price shocks.
The NLC president also advocated tax relief for low-income earners and the expansion of social support programmes to help struggling households cope with the current economic realities.
He further urged the government to ensure transparency in the management of any additional oil revenue generated from rising global crude prices.
Ajaero added that such revenue windfalls should be channelled into programmes that directly improve the welfare of Nigerians.
He also called for sincere engagement between the government and organised labour to find sustainable solutions to the worsening economic situation confronting workers and citizens across the country.
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