NLC Demands Urgent Relief Measures Amid Petrol Price Surge Linked to Middle East Crisis

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to urgently act to protect Nigerian workers from the escalating cost of living caused by soaring petrol prices, now ranging from ₦1,170 to ₦1,300 per litre.

According to the Congress, the recent spike—driven by the ongoing military tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran—has exposed the vulnerability of Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector, leaving millions of workers at the mercy of global oil market volatility.

NLC President Joe Ajaero, in a statement titled “Save Nigerians From This Shock: An Urgent Relief Has Become Necessary,” said:

“The military escalation in the Middle East has sent shockwaves through global oil markets. Petrol prices in Nigeria have skyrocketed, and the working class is now bearing the brunt of a crisis they did not create.”

He highlighted the failure to operate public refineries as a key factor:
“The crisis has exposed the fragility of Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector. Dangote Refinery has adjusted its prices in line with global volatility, passing the burden directly to the masses. Domestic production alone does not guarantee price stability.”

Specific Demands by NLC

The NLC called for:

• Immediate Cost-of-Living Allowance (COLA) and wage award to cushion workers.
• Expanded and improved Cash Transfer programmes to reach vulnerable populations with inflation-adjusted support.
• Tax relief for low-income workers, including suspension of regressive levies.
• Full rehabilitation and operation of public refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna.

Ajaero stressed the human cost:
“The rising fuel prices have made transportation unaffordable for workers, while food inflation continues to rise. Families struggle to afford basic meals, putting society on a keg of gunpowder.”

He further urged the government to ensure that potential ₦30 trillion oil windfall from the global crisis benefits ordinary Nigerians:
“The government must engage in sincere social dialogue. Using the Middle East conflict as an excuse to deepen poverty is unacceptable. Workers demand action, justice, and survival.”

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