NLC has demanded cost-of-living allowance amid global oil crisis.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the Federal Government to urgently introduce relief measures to cushion the impact of the recent spike in petrol prices across the country.
The labour union said the sharp increase in fuel prices, currently ranging between ₦1,170 and ₦1,300 per litre has worsened the economic hardship faced by Nigerian workers and citizens, warning that failure to act could trigger serious social unrest.
In a statement titled “Save Nigerians From This Shock: An Urgent Relief Has Become Necessary,” the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, urged the government to introduce immediate interventions including a cost-of-living allowance (COLA), wage awards for workers, tax relief for low-income earners, and the revival of Nigeria’s public refineries.
The labour body also accused the government of leaving Nigerians vulnerable to fluctuations in global oil prices triggered by escalating tensions in the Middle East involving United States, Israel, and Iran.
According to the union, the geopolitical crisis has caused disruptions in global oil markets, pushing fuel prices higher and worsening living conditions for Nigerian households.
Ajaero said the situation has exposed the structural weaknesses in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector, warning that the country remains highly vulnerable to global shocks due to its dependence on imported refined petroleum products.
The NLC noted that while domestic refining was expected to stabilize prices, recent adjustments by the Dangote Refinery in response to global market volatility show that local production alone cannot fully insulate Nigeria from international price fluctuations.
The labour union argued that Nigeria’s continued reliance on market-driven pricing structures tied to global oil markets will keep the country exposed to geopolitical conflicts and international speculation unless public refining capacity is fully restored.
As part of its demands, the NLC urged the government to immediately rehabilitate and operationalize the country’s state-owned refineries, including the Port Harcourt Refinery, Warri Refinery, and Kaduna Refinery.
The union said the soaring cost of petrol and diesel has significantly increased transportation costs, pushing food prices higher while eroding the purchasing power of workers.
“When workers cannot afford transportation to their workplaces, the economy stalls. When families cannot afford basic meals, society sits on a keg of gunpowder,” the statement warned.
The NLC also called for an expansion and overhaul of the government’s cash transfer programme to ensure that assistance reaches vulnerable Nigerians transparently and reflects the current inflation rate.
Additionally, the union demanded tax relief for workers, including the suspension of taxes on low-income earners, arguing that taxing minimum-wage workers during a severe economic crisis amounts to economic injustice.
The labour body further cited projections by the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG), which estimated that Nigeria could earn up to ₦30 trillion in additional oil revenue due to rising crude oil prices linked to the ongoing Middle East crisis.
According to the NLC, such windfall earnings must be used to support citizens and reduce economic hardship rather than disappearing through mismanagement.
The union also urged the government to engage in genuine social dialogue with workers and the wider public on policies affecting the economy.
While higher global crude prices may boost Nigeria’s oil export revenue, analysts warn that the country’s heavy reliance on imported refined fuel continues to expose its economy to international price volatility.
The NLC insisted that addressing these structural weaknesses is essential if Nigeria hopes to shield its citizens from the economic shocks triggered by global conflicts and market instability.
