May Day: Fuel Hikes, Inflation Deepening Poverty Among Nigerian Workers — NHRC

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called on the Federal Government to urgently address the worsening economic hardship confronting Nigerian workers, warning that rising fuel prices, transportation costs, and other systemic challenges are pushing millions deeper into poverty.

In a statement issued on Friday to mark the 2026 International Workers’ Day, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, OFR, SAN, said the recent increase in petrol prices has placed unbearable pressure on workers, particularly those who depend on daily transportation to earn a living.

Ojukwu noted that the surge in transport fares has significantly reduced workers’ disposable income, weakened productivity, and threatened the dignity of labour, stressing that many Nigerians now struggle to meet basic needs despite ongoing government poverty reduction efforts.

He said although the government has introduced measures to address economic hardship amid global inflation, such interventions have yet to make meaningful impact on the day-to-day realities of citizens battling the high cost of living.

The NHRC boss identified the absence of an efficient and affordable public transportation system as one of the major drivers of workers’ hardship, warning that without urgent intervention, more Nigerians could be pushed into severe economic vulnerability.

He also highlighted other pressing concerns affecting workers, including estimated electricity billing, metering challenges, high housing costs, inadequate healthcare coverage under the National Health Insurance Scheme, and repeated industrial actions in the health sector caused by poor welfare conditions.

According to him, persistent wage disparities among workers performing similar duties remain a major concern, calling for transparent salary harmonisation across sectors. He further described delays in the payment of pensions and retirement benefits as unacceptable, saying retirees deserve dignity and financial security after years of service.

While acknowledging ongoing investments in the railway sector, Ojukwu urged the government to expand affordable and reliable transportation networks across the country to ease the burden on workers and improve access to economic opportunities.

He maintained that the hardship caused by fuel price increases and inflation should not be seen merely as an economic issue but as a human rights concern requiring urgent and people-centered solutions.

“As the nation marks the 2026 International Workers’ Day, Nigerian workers cannot continue to bear the weight of economic reforms without protection. Their welfare, dignity, and rights must remain at the center of national policy decisions,” he said.