NLC Demands Tax Relief Amid Fuel Price Hike Crisis

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), led by President Joe Ajaero, has called for urgent tax relief and immediate wage awards to address the economic hardships faced by Nigerian workers due to a recent fuel price hike. The price of petrol has surged from N1,170 to N1,300 per liter, significantly impacting the cost of living.

The NLC emphasizes that the federal government must take decisive action to alleviate the suffering of citizens, rather than attributing the crisis solely to the Middle East conflict. They demand a clear timeline for the full operation of public refineries and accountability for the billions spent on their maintenance.

The NLC's list of demands also includes an overhaul of cash transfer programs to ensure assistance reaches vulnerable citizens and adjustments to reflect inflation. The organization warns that without reviving public refinery capacity, Nigeria will remain vulnerable to global market fluctuations, which have been exacerbated by international conflicts.