The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the Federal Government to take urgent steps to ease Nigerians of the growing economic hardship caused by the rising cost of petrol.
In a statement issued by its president, Joe Ajaero, the labour union noted that petrol prices have surged to between ₦1,170 and ₦1,300 per litre, placing significant pressure on workers and ordinary citizens across the country.
The NLC attributed the increase in petrol prices to the ongoing geopolitical tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, which have disrupted global oil markets and affected fuel prices worldwide.
According to the union, projections from the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG) indicate that Nigeria could generate about ₦30 trillion in additional oil revenue as a result of the crisis.
The NLC therefore urged the Federal Government to channel these potential earnings toward easing the economic burden on citizens.
As part of its demands, the labour union called for the introduction of a wage award for workers, the provision of cost-of-living allowances, tax relief for low-income earners, and the expansion of cash transfer programmes for vulnerable Nigerians.
The NLC also stressed the need for the urgent revival of public refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna, explaining that Nigeria’s heavy reliance on global fuel prices makes the country vulnerable to international crises. It further noted that the Dangote Refinery has already adjusted its fuel prices in response to changes in the global market.
The labour body warned that the rising cost of petrol is already pushing up transportation costs and worsening food inflation, and urged the government to begin immediate engagement with labour unions to address the situation.
