The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the Federal Government to urgently introduce relief measures for Nigerians following the sharp increase in petrol prices triggered by the ongoing tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
In a statement issued on Sunday, NLC President Joe Ajaero said the labour union is demanding immediate intervention to reduce the burden on workers and ordinary citizens who are grappling with the rising cost of living.
According to the labour body, petrol prices have surged to between ₦1,170 and ₦1,300 per litre, worsening the economic hardship across the country.
The NLC warned that failure to act swiftly could push the nation towards widespread social unrest.
The statement, titled “Save Nigerians From This Shock: An Urgent Relief Has Become Necessary,” noted that the spike in fuel prices was partly influenced by global oil market volatility resulting from the escalating Middle East conflict.
The union argued that Nigerian workers are being forced to bear the consequences of international crises they had no role in creating.
Ajaero criticised the country’s heavy dependence on global oil market forces, saying the situation has exposed the fragility of Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector.
He noted that even the Dangote Refinery has adjusted fuel prices in line with global market changes, passing the cost burden to consumers.
The NLC stressed that relying solely on domestic refining without strengthening public refineries would not shield Nigeria from international price shocks.
It therefore urged the government to ensure the full rehabilitation and operation of state-owned refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna.
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Among the key demands presented by the labour union are the introduction of a cost-of-living allowance for workers, an immediate wage award, and tax relief for low-income earners.
The union also called for an expanded and transparent cash transfer programme targeted at the most vulnerable citizens.
The NLC further argued that taxing minimum-wage earners places an unfair burden on workers already struggling with rising food prices, transportation costs, and inflation.
The union also referenced projections by the Nigeria Economic Summit Group, which suggest that Nigeria could earn as much as ₦30 trillion in additional oil revenue due to rising global crude prices linked to the Middle East crisis.
While the potential windfall may boost government earnings, the NLC insisted that such revenue must be directed toward easing the hardship faced by Nigerians rather than disappearing like previous oil windfalls.
The labour organisation concluded by urging the government to engage in meaningful dialogue with workers and implement policies that prioritise citizens’ welfare, warning that continued economic pressure on workers could have serious consequences for the country’s stability.
The current global crisis presents a mixed outcome for **Nigeria. While higher crude prices may increase oil revenue, the sharp rise in domestic fuel prices has intensified economic strain, highlighting the country’s continued vulnerability to global energy market fluctuations.