Nigerian workers face pressure as petrol price climbs to ₦1,300, NLC seeks government action
NLC warns of deepening hardship as petrol price hits ₦1,300
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the Federal Government to urgently intervene following a sharp rise in petrol prices across the country, with pump prices reaching between ₦1,230 and ₦1,300 per litre at several retail outlets.
The labour union warned that the surge in fuel prices is worsening the cost-of-living crisis for Nigerian workers and households, particularly through rising transportation expenses, food prices, and general inflationary pressures.
In a statement issued by NLC President Joe Ajaero, the union urged the government to implement immediate relief measures to cushion the economic impact on citizens.
Labour warns of worsening economic hardship
According to the NLC, the increase in petrol prices has significantly raised the financial burden on workers, many of whom already face declining purchasing power due to inflation and rising living costs.
The union noted that transportation fares have surged in response to higher fuel prices, which in turn affects the cost of food and other essential commodities.
Ajaero emphasised that urgent policy action is required to protect vulnerable households and low-income workers from further economic strain.
The labour organisation called on the government to introduce targeted interventions, including wage support initiatives and expanded social protection programmes aimed at easing the pressure on household incomes.
Calls for tax relief and social support
In addition to wage support, the NLC proposed tax relief for low-income earners and expanded social assistance programmes to mitigate the effects of the rising cost of fuel.
The union argued that without intervention, the sustained increase in petrol prices could deepen poverty levels and erode the real incomes of workers across the country.
Labour leaders also urged policymakers to ensure that any windfall revenues generated from higher global crude oil prices are used to improve the welfare of Nigerians.
Global oil market volatility driving fuel prices
Industry analysts attribute the recent rise in petrol prices to volatility in global oil markets and adjustments in wholesale fuel pricing.
Recent reports indicate that wholesale petrol prices increased after adjustments by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, which raised its gantry price to about ₦1,175 per litre, prompting pump prices at filling stations to rise to between ₦1,250 and ₦1,300 in many locations.
The increase reflects rising crude oil prices linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which have disrupted global energy supply and contributed to higher fuel costs.
Renewed calls to strengthen local refining
The NLC stressed that Nigeria’s vulnerability to fuel price shocks highlights the need to strengthen domestic refining capacity.
According to the union, ensuring that the country’s refineries operate efficiently would reduce reliance on imported petroleum products and help stabilise domestic fuel supply.
Labour leaders also called for greater transparency in managing revenues from Nigeria’s oil sector, particularly during periods of high crude prices.
Outlook
The surge in petrol prices to around ₦1,300 per litre has intensified debate over energy pricing and economic policy in Nigeria.
As pressure mounts from labour unions, businesses, and consumers, policymakers face growing calls to balance market-driven fuel pricing with social protection measures designed to shield households from the broader economic impact of rising energy costs.
For investors and policymakers, the situation underscores the continued importance of domestic refining capacity, energy market reforms, and macroeconomic stability in shaping Nigeria’s energy landscape.
