NLC Calls On FG To Intervene As Petrol Hits N1,300/Litre

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the Federal Government to urgently intervene following the surge in petrol prices to between N1,230 and N1,300 per litre across the country.

The demand was made in a statement issued by the President of the labour union, Joe Ajaero.

Ajaero said the sharp increase in petrol prices has worsened the economic hardship faced by Nigerian workers, particularly through rising transportation costs, higher food prices, and an overall increase in the cost of living.

According to the NLC president, the government must introduce urgent relief measures to cushion the impact of the fuel price increase on workers and vulnerable citizens.

“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,” Ajaero said.

He added that the rising cost of fuel has made transportation increasingly unaffordable for many workers, while the prices of food and other essential commodities continue to climb beyond the reach of ordinary Nigerians.

He urged the federal government to consider wage support initiatives and policies aimed at easing the pressure on household incomes.

“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,” Ajaero said.

He also called for tax relief for low-income earners and expanded social support programmes targeted at vulnerable Nigerians to mitigate the harsh economic conditions facing many households.

Ajaero said the current situation highlights the vulnerability of Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector to fluctuations in the global oil market.

He stressed the need for the government to ensure that public refineries across the country are fully operational to reduce dependence on imported petroleum products.

According to him, reviving Nigeria’s refineries would help stabilise domestic fuel supply and reduce exposure to sudden price shocks in the international market.

The NLC president also urged the government to ensure transparency in managing any additional oil revenue arising from developments in the global market.

He said any windfall from rising crude oil prices should be channelled towards improving the welfare of Nigerians.