NLC Demands Federal Government Action as Petrol Prices Hit ₦1,500 Per Litre

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the Federal Government to urgently intervene as petrol prices rise to about ₦1,500 per litre in some parts of the country, warning that the increase is deepening economic hardship for workers and households.

In a statement titled “Save the Situation Now,” NLC President Joe Ajaero said petrol was selling for around ₦1,430 per litre in major cities, while prices were even higher in less accessible areas. Reports from some locations put pump prices at ₦1,500 and above.

The labour union is asking the Federal Government to introduce immediate measures to cushion the impact of the rising fuel costs. Among its demands is the payment of reasonable wage awards to workers nationwide to help households cope with higher transportation and living expenses.

The NLC is also calling for the government to sell sufficient crude oil to local refineries in naira, arguing that increasing domestic crude supply could help strengthen local refining and reduce exposure to international market shocks.

The union further wants Nigeria to expand its national petroleum storage capacity to improve the country’s ability to respond to energy emergencies.

The NLC warned that higher petrol prices would have effects far beyond the filling station. According to the union, rising transportation costs typically feed into the prices of food, rent, school fees and other essential goods and services, putting additional pressure on already stretched household incomes.

The latest increase has been linked partly to renewed conflict in the Gulf and its impact on international crude oil markets. However, the NLC argues that Nigeria’s status as an oil-producing country and its growing domestic refining capacity should provide some protection against external price shocks.

The labour organisation also questioned the continued reliance on deregulation during periods of severe price increases, arguing that the government should consider temporary interventions when households and businesses are under significant pressure.

The latest fuel-price surge has prompted concerns that petrol could become even more expensive if international crude prices continue rising. The NLC said the government should use the additional revenue it is receiving from higher international oil prices to provide relief to citizens, while strengthening domestic refining and petroleum storage capacity.

For now, the union is urging the Federal Government to act quickly, saying the combination of higher fuel costs and rising transportation expenses could further worsen the cost-of-living pressures facing Nigerians.