The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged the government to intervene and address the significant surge in petrol prices, which have now reached between N1,170 and N1,300 per litre across the country.
This demand was formally articulated in a statement signed by Mr. Joe Ajaero, the President of the NLC.
Ajaero highlighted that the escalating cost of petrol has intensified the economic hardship faced by Nigerian workers, particularly impacting transportation, food prices, and the general cost of living.
“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 government must urgently introduce measures, including wage support and cost-of-living relief, to cushion the devastating impact of the current fuel price crisis on workers and vulnerable citizens,” he stated.
The NLC boss called upon the Federal Government to implement immediate relief measures, such as wage support and policies designed to mitigate the impact of the price increase on workers and vulnerable citizens.
Ajaero noted that the current situation exposes the vulnerability of Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector to fluctuations in the global market.
He emphasized the necessity for the government to ensure that public refineries in the country become fully operational. This, he argued, would reduce dependence on imported petroleum products.
According to him, revitalizing the nation’s refineries would help stabilize domestic supply and protect Nigerians from sudden price shocks.
The NLC president also advocated for tax relief for low-income earners and expanded social support programs for vulnerable Nigerians.
He believes such measures would help alleviate the severe economic realities confronting workers and their families.
Ajaero further urged the government to ensure transparency in managing expected oil revenue gains resulting from current global developments.
He stressed that any windfall from rising crude oil prices should be directed towards improving the welfare of Nigerians.
Finally, he called for a sincere dialogue between the government and organized labor to address the escalating economic challenges faced by workers.
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