RismadarVoice Reporters
March 15, 2026
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the Federal Government to urgently introduce relief measures to cushion the impact of the recent surge in petrol prices across the country.
The labour union said the sharp increase in the pump price of petrol now selling between ₦1,170 and ₦1,300 per litre in many parts of the country, has worsened the economic hardship facing Nigerian workers and citizens.
In a statement on Sunday titled “Save Nigerians From This Shock: An Urgent Relief Has Become Necessary,” and signed by its President, Joe Ajaero, the NLC warned that continued pressure on household incomes could trigger widespread social discontent if swift action is not taken.
The Congress demanded the immediate introduction of a cost-of-living allowance and wage award for workers, as well as tax relief for low-income earners, to help mitigate the rising cost of transportation, food and other basic needs.
It also urged the government to accelerate efforts towards the rehabilitation and full operation of public refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna, stressing that Nigeria’s dependence on global oil market fluctuations has exposed the fragility of the downstream petroleum sector.
According to the labour body, the current fuel price spike linked to tensions and military escalation in the Middle East, has demonstrated that domestic refining alone may not guarantee price stability if public refining capacity remains weak.
The NLC further called for the expansion and improved transparency of the cash transfer programme to ensure that support reaches vulnerable Nigerians, while urging authorities to engage in meaningful dialogue with organized labour on measures to address the cost-of-living crisis.
Citing projections by the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG), the Congress noted that Nigeria could earn about ₦30 trillion in additional oil revenue due to rising global crude prices.
It insisted that such windfalls should be channelled into programmes that directly improve the welfare of citizens.
While higher crude oil prices may boost government earnings, analysts say the accompanying rise in fuel costs is intensifying inflationary pressures and exposing Nigeria’s continued reliance on imported refined petroleum products.
The NLC warned that failure to implement timely interventions could further strain workers’ livelihoods and slow economic productivity.
