NLC Urges Government to Address Rising Petrol Prices

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), led by President Joe Ajaero, has called on the Federal Government to urgently implement measures to alleviate the impact of rising petrol prices, which currently average about N1,430 per litre in major cities. The NLC warned that the increasing petrol costs would exacerbate economic hardships for Nigerians, as transportation price hikes typically lead to increased costs for food, rent, and other essential services.

In a statement titled “Save the Situation Now,” the NLC noted that the latest price surge coincided with government efforts to pressure oil marketers to lower prices in response to decreasing international crude prices. The NLC attributed the rise to renewed conflicts in the Gulf and emphasized that Nigeria, as an oil-producing nation, should have protective measures against global oil market fluctuations.

The union urged the government to provide wage awards, ensure crude oil sales in naira to local refineries, and expand national petroleum storage capacity to enhance energy security. The NLC also suggested that government subsidies should not be dismissed in emergencies.