By JOAN NWAGWU

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called for the government's intervention to address the surge in petrol prices between N1,170 and N1,300 per litre across the country.

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

Ajaero said the rising cost of petrol had worsened the hardship faced by Nigerian workers, particularly in transportation, food prices and general 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 boss urged the Federal Government to introduce immediate relief measures, including wage support and policies to cushion the impact of the price increase on workers and vulnerable citizens.

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 public refineries in the country become fully operational to reduce dependence on imported petroleum products.

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

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

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

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 toward improving the welfare of Nigerians.

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

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