The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to introduce urgent relief measures for workers following the sharp increase in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol.
In a statement titled “Save Nigerians From This Shock: An Urgent Relief Has Become Necessary,” signed by its president, Joe Ajaero, the union said the recent fuel price hike has significantly worsened economic hardship across the country.
The NLC is demanding an immediate wage award and the introduction of a cost-of-living allowance (COLA) to help workers cope with rising expenses. It also called for tax relief measures, including the suspension of what it described as regressive taxes on low-income earners.
Additionally, the union urged the government to expand and overhaul the cash transfer programme to ensure transparency and better reach for vulnerable Nigerians, with adjustments reflecting current inflation levels.
The labour body blamed the worsening situation on Nigeria’s exposure to global oil price volatility, triggered by escalating tensions in the Middle East involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. According to the NLC, this has exposed structural weaknesses in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector.
The union further criticized the government for failing to revive local refining capacity, arguing that continued dependence on market-driven pricing tied to international oil markets leaves Nigerians vulnerable to external shocks.
It specifically called for the urgent rehabilitation and full operation of key national refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna, insisting that this is essential for economic stability.
The NLC also raised concerns over the role of the Dangote Refinery, noting that despite local production, fuel prices still reflect global volatility, thereby undermining expectations of domestic price stability.
According to the union, the rising cost of petrol—now ranging between ₦1,170 and ₦1,300 per litre—has made transportation increasingly unaffordable for many workers, while food inflation continues to erode already strained incomes.
Citing projections from the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG), the NLC noted that Nigeria could earn an estimated ₦30 trillion oil windfall from the ongoing crisis. It urged the government to ensure that such gains are transparently invested in improving the welfare of citizens.
Meanwhile, global oil prices continue to surge, with Brent crude rising by about three per cent to $106.50 per barrel, as the conflict enters its third week and uncertainty persists over supply routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz.
The NLC concluded by urging the government to engage in sincere dialogue with workers and take immediate steps to ease the economic burden, warning that failure to act could deepen poverty and social instability.
