The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the Federal Government to take urgent action over the sharp increase in petrol prices, which now range between N1,170 and N1,300 per litre nationwide.
The call was contained in a statement signed by the NLC President, Mr Joe Ajaero, on Thursday.
Ajaero said the hike in petrol prices had intensified the economic hardship confronting Nigerian workers, especially in the areas of transportation, food costs and the overall 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 said.
He appealed to the Federal Government to implement immediate relief measures, including wage support and policies that would mitigate the effects of the price increase on workers and vulnerable Nigerians.
Ajaero noted that the situation had also highlighted the fragility of Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector, particularly its exposure to fluctuations in the global market.
He emphasised the need for authorities to ensure that the country’s public refineries become fully operational in order to reduce reliance on imported petroleum products.
According to him, restoring the refineries to full capacity would help stabilise domestic fuel supply and protect citizens from sudden price spikes.
The NLC president also advocated tax relief for low-income earners and the expansion of social support programmes for vulnerable Nigerians.
He said such initiatives would help ease the economic pressure on workers and their families.
Ajaero further urged the government to maintain transparency in the management of anticipated oil revenue gains resulting from current global developments.
He added that any windfall from rising crude oil prices should be directed toward improving the welfare of Nigerians.
He also called for genuine dialogue between the government and organised labour to tackle the mounting economic challenges affecting workers.
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