The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged the federal government to implement immediate relief measures as petrol prices surged to between N1,170 and N1,300 per litre, deepening economic hardship for workers and the general population.
In a statement on Thursday, NLC President Joe Ajaero said the increase has made transportation unaffordable and pushed food and essential commodities further out of reach for ordinary Nigerians. He called for urgent government intervention, including wage support and targeted cost-of-living assistance, to cushion the impact on workers and vulnerable citizens.
The labour body linked the price volatility to Nigeria’s continued dependence on imported petroleum products. Ajaero stressed that fully operational public refineries are critical to stabilising domestic supply and shielding the economy from global market shocks. He also advocated for tax relief for low-income earners and the expansion of social support programmes.
Furthermore, the NLC demanded transparency in the management of expected revenue gains from high global crude oil prices, insisting any windfall must be used to improve public welfare. Ajaero reiterated the need for sincere dialogue between the government and organised labour to address the growing economic challenges.
The appeal follows the government’s 2023 removal of petrol subsidies, a reform intended to curb fiscal waste but which has contributed to persistent inflation and increased living costs. With fuel costs directly influencing transportation and commodity prices, the NLC’s demands highlight the tension between macroeconomic policy and immediate public welfare. The government’s response could set a precedent for how it manages the social impact of further economic adjustments.
