Nigeria Labour Congress demands wage awards amid rising petrol prices

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the Federal Government to implement immediate wage awards for workers to combat rising economic hardship. NLC President Joe Ajaero stated that the demand follows significant increases in petrol prices, which have reached approximately N1,430 to N1,450 per litre in major urban centers.

Ajaero warned that escalating fuel costs are driving up transportation fares, which could subsequently trigger higher prices for food, school fees, rent, and utility tariffs. He noted that these rising costs are deeply impacting the purchasing power and quality of life for the populace.

To mitigate these effects, the NLC proposed several measures, including making sufficient crude oil available in naira to local refineries and expanding the nation’s storage capacity. Ajaero argued that as a country with significant fossil resources, Nigeria requires mechanisms to protect citizens from international energy market shocks, such as those caused by conflicts in the Gulf.