NLC Demands Wage Awards as Nigeria Petrol Price Hits N1,430

The Nigeria Labour Congress has demanded emergency government intervention as petrol prices surge to approximately N1,430 per litre across major cities, warning the increase is deepening economic hardship for workers and citizens. In a statement titled "Save the Situation Now," NLC President Joe Ajaero called on the federal government to immediately introduce reasonable wage awards for workers and to sell sufficient crude oil to local refineries in naira. Ajaero stated that the latest price surge, linked to the resurgence of conflict in the Gulf, has inflicted incalculable damage on wages and the national standard of living. He noted that in major cities where petrol is readily available, the cost ranges from N1,430 per litre, with prices even higher in less accessible areas. The NLC president argued that as an oil-producing country with local refining capacity, Nigeria should have measures in place to shield households and businesses from such external shocks. The labour union criticized the government for failing to provide palliatives despite earning significant windfall revenues from crude oil sales.