Labour Congress Presses Federal Government for Relief as Petrol Climbs to N1,500
The Nigeria Labour Congress has stepped up calls for government intervention as petrol prices rise to about N1,500 per litre in several states, warning that the latest increase could deepen pressure on workers and households.
The union wants the Federal Government to introduce emergency measures, including wage awards for workers and the sale of crude oil to local refineries in naira. It also called for larger national petroleum reserves to help Nigeria respond to supply disruptions and international price shocks.
The latest increase has been recorded across several parts of the country, with petrol selling between N1,400 and N1,500 in a number of major cities. The rise followed an increase in the gantry price of Dangote Petroleum Refinery from N1,265 to N1,350 per litre, while the labour union linked the wider market pressure to renewed instability in the global oil market.
The NLC said the effect of higher petrol prices would extend beyond motorists, as rising transport costs could push up the prices of food, rent, education and other essentials. It also argued that increased government revenue from higher crude prices could provide room for measures to cushion consumers while efforts to strengthen domestic refining continue.
