The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the Federal Government to urgently introduce measures to cushion the impact of the latest increase in petrol prices on workers and households across the country.

NLC President Joe Ajaero said the rise in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), with prices reaching about ₦1,430 per litre in some locations, had created additional economic pressure for Nigerians.

Ajaero made the call in a statement issued in response to the latest increase, warning that the effect of higher petrol prices extends beyond the cost of transportation.

According to the labour leader, increases in transport costs have wider consequences for household expenses, including food, rent and education, while also affecting businesses and other economic activities.

He said Nigerians in areas where petrol is readily available were already paying around ₦1,430 per litre, while consumers in locations farther from major supply points could face even higher prices.

“We are really worried about the increasing cost of petrol prices throughout the country,” Ajaero said.

He argued that the latest increase was putting additional pressure on wages and living standards, particularly at a time when many households were already dealing with elevated living expenses.

NLC Seeks Immediate Relief for Workers

Ajaero urged the Federal Government to consider immediate wage awards for workers as part of measures to respond to the impact of rising energy costs.

He also called for increased crude oil supply in naira to local refineries, saying the measure could support domestic refining activities and contribute to greater stability in the downstream petroleum sector.

Another major demand from the NLC president was an expansion of Nigeria’s national petroleum storage capacity.

According to him, stronger storage infrastructure would provide the country with a buffer during energy emergencies and improve its ability to manage disruptions in supply.

“These steps will help create jobs, add value to the economy, and handle changing security issues,” Ajaero said.

The labour leader also linked the increase in transport expenses to higher costs across different sectors of the economy.

He said more expensive transportation could contribute to increases in school fees, housing costs, import-related expenses and food prices, thereby placing additional pressure on household budgets.

Ajaero warned that the combined effect of these increases could worsen poverty and further reduce the purchasing power of workers and other Nigerians.

He therefore called for measures that would provide economic protection while also addressing the country’s longer-term energy challenges.

The NLC president said the government should create what he described as economic buffers capable of shielding citizens from sudden increases in energy costs.

He also maintained that such measures should go beyond short-term relief by supporting job creation, domestic production and energy security.

The call comes amid continuing changes in petrol prices across the country, with the latest increases being reflected at filling stations in different locations.

For the labour movement, the focus is now on how government policies can reduce the impact of higher fuel costs on workers while strengthening domestic petroleum supply.

Ajaero’s proposals include wage support for workers, adequate crude supply to local refineries through naira transactions and increased petroleum storage capacity.

The NLC said these measures would help provide relief to households while supporting broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s energy security and domestic economic capacity.