By Stephen Simon
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the Federal Government to introduce immediate measures to cushion Nigerians from the rising cost of petrol, including reasonable wage awards for workers and the sale of crude oil to local refineries in naira.
NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, made the demand in a statement titled, “Save the Situation Now,” issued on Wednesday, expressing concern over the rising pump price of petrol across the country.
Ajaero said petrol was selling for about N1,430 per litre in major urban centres, with prices reportedly higher in less accessible areas. He warned that rising transportation costs would further increase the prices of food, school fees, rents, tariffs and other essential goods and services.
The NLC president said the latest surge in petrol prices had deepened economic hardship and affected workers’ purchasing power and quality of life. He attributed the development partly to the resurgence of conflict in the Gulf but argued that Nigeria, as an oil-producing country, should have measures to protect citizens from international energy-market shocks.
He urged the government to provide wage awards, make sufficient crude available to local refineries in naira and expand the country’s petroleum storage capacity to strengthen energy security and prepare for emergencies.
Ajaero also said government intervention, including subsidies, should not be ruled out during emergencies, arguing that such measures could help protect citizens from severe economic pressure.
The NLC further claimed that the government was receiving additional revenue from crude oil sales above the benchmark used in the national budget, saying the proceeds could provide room for interventions to ease the impact of higher fuel prices.
The labour centre also criticised the reported importation of crude by some local refineries, describing it as contrary to the objective of developing domestic refining capacity.
Ajaero urged the government to act urgently, warning that labour would continue to speak out against policies it considers harmful to workers and Nigerians.
