The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to urgently step in to address the growing fuel price crisis, warning that the rising cost of petrol is pushing millions of Nigerian workers deeper into poverty.
The labour union expressed concern over the recent increase in petrol prices, which now range between ₦1,170 and ₦1,300 per litre, describing the development as unbearable for workers and ordinary citizens already battling high living costs across the country.
In a statement signed by its president, Joe Ajaero, the congress said the surge in fuel prices has placed enormous pressure on workers and exposed the fragile state of Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector.
According to the NLC, the situation has been worsened by escalating geopolitical tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, which have affected global energy markets. The labour body noted that despite assurances that local refining would protect Nigerians from international shocks, the country remains vulnerable to fluctuations in global fuel prices.
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The congress criticised the current pricing structure within the petroleum sector, arguing that the burden of global price volatility is being transferred directly to citizens through higher pump prices.
It warned that the sharp increase in the cost of petrol and diesel has significantly raised transportation fares, worsened food inflation, and further eroded already modest wages, leaving many Nigerian workers struggling to meet basic needs.
To cushion the impact on citizens, the NLC demanded immediate intervention from the government, including the introduction of a wage award and cost-of-living allowance for workers. It also called for the expansion and greater transparency in cash transfer programmes targeted at vulnerable Nigerians, as well as tax relief for low-income earners.
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The labour body further urged the government to provide a clear timeline for the full operationalisation of the country’s public refineries located in Port Harcourt Refinery, Warri Refinery, and Kaduna Refinery.
According to the NLC, restoring these refineries to full capacity would help reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported petroleum products and protect the economy from global fuel price shocks.
“The cost of PMS and AGO has made transportation a noose around workers’ necks. Food inflation is galloping, and meagre wages are being swallowed by this induced scarcity,” the statement said.
The congress warned that if workers cannot afford transportation to their workplaces or basic meals for their families, the consequences could extend beyond households to the wider economy.
The labour union therefore called for sincere social dialogue between the government and labour leaders, cautioning that continued economic hardship could heighten social tensions if urgent relief measures are not implemented.
