The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the Federal Government to intervene in the recent surge in petrol prices, which now range between N1,170 and N1,300 per litre across the country.

The demand was contained in a statement issued on Thursday and signed by the NLC President, Joe Ajaero.

Mr. Ajaero said the rising cost of petrol had intensified the hardship faced by Nigerian workers, particularly in transportation, food prices, and the overall cost of living.

“The sudden increase in petrol price to between N1,170 and N1,300 per litre has further deepened the economic hardship faced by Nigerian workers and the general populace.

“The rising cost of fuel has made transportation increasingly unaffordable for workers, while food prices and other essential commodities continue to surge beyond the reach of ordinary Nigerians.

“The government must urgently introduce measures, including wage support and cost-of-living relief, to cushion the devastating impact of the current fuel price crisis on workers and vulnerable citizens,” he said.

The NLC president urged the Federal Government to introduce immediate relief measures, including wage support and policies designed to cushion the impact of the price increase on workers and vulnerable citizens.

Mr. Ajaero said the current situation had exposed the vulnerability of Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector to global market volatility.

He stressed the need for the government to ensure that the country’s public refineries become fully operational in order to reduce dependence on imported petroleum products.

According to him, reviving the nation’s refineries would help stabilise domestic supply and shield Nigerians from sudden price shocks.

The NLC president also called for tax relief for low-income earners and the expansion of social support programmes for vulnerable Nigerians.

He said such measures would help cushion the harsh economic realities confronting workers and their families.

Mr. Ajaero further urged the government to ensure transparency in the management of expected oil revenue gains arising from current global developments.

He noted that any windfall from rising crude oil prices should be channelled towards improving the welfare of Nigerians.

He also called for sincere dialogue between the government and organised labour to address the growing economic challenges facing workers.