The Nigeria Labour Congress has urged the Federal Government to implement immediate wage increases for workers due to a recent surge in petrol prices that have climbed to approximately N1,430 per litre in major cities and even higher in more remote areas.
NLC President Joe Ajaero, in a statement titled “Save the Situation Now" released on Wednesday, stated that escalating fuel prices are greatly diminishing workers' buying power and overall quality of life as transport expenses rise, warning that increased transport costs would subsequently elevate prices for food, school fees, rent, and other necessities.
“These escalating expenses continue to inflict or worsen poverty among the population, pushing the quality of life to its limits," he remarked. Ajaero linked part of the latest price hike to renewed conflicts in the Gulf, which have driven international crude prices upwards, but contended that Nigeria, being an oil-producing country, should have measures in place to protect its citizens from such fluctuations.
“As a country, and as a people blessed with vast fossil resources, we deserve a certain level of protection or buffer against the disturbances from the Gulf," he expressed. He also supported the idea of government intervention during crises, stating, “There is nothing inappropriate about the government subsidizing the needs of the populace, especially in urgent situations like this.”
The labour center’s three specific requests included reasonable wage increases for workers, the sale of adequate crude oil in naira to local refineries to lower domestic refining expenses, and enhanced national fuel storage capacity to mitigate future supply disruptions.
The recent pressure follows Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s announcement to raise its gantry petrol price by about six percent, effective September 12, after international crude prices surged beyond $100 per barrel.
The NLC’s announcement did not specify a deadline or indicate any planned industrial action, but it adds to the ongoing tension between labor and the Federal Government concerning the impact of Nigeria’s deregulated fuel market on the cost of living, three years after a temporary monthly wage award of N35,000 was established following the removal of the subsidy in 2023.
