The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the Federal Government to immediately reduce petrol prices and implement a nationwide wage award to cushion the effects of rising living costs. In an Independence Day statement, NLC President Joe Ajaero stated that these measures are essential as citizens continue to grapple with surging transportation, food, rent, and education expenses. The union attributed the cost-of-living crisis to the steep rise in fuel prices following the removal of the petrol subsidy in 2023.
Petrol now sells at N1,430 per litre or higher in major cities, and at significantly elevated rates in remote regions, driving up general living expenses while nominal wages remain stagnant. The NLC urged the Federal Government to address the direct transmission of fuel costs to transport and broader economic sectors, warning that failure to break this inflationary chain would render any relief efforts futile. The union also requested the immediate implementation of a nationwide wage award for federal, state, and local government employees.
The NLC highlighted the Federal Government’s failure to fully deliver on past commitments, including the October 2023 agreement between the Federal Government and organised labour, which outlined a N35,000 monthly wage award for federal workers and recommended similar relief at state and local levels. The union criticised the government for failing to fully implement the tax relief measures agreed upon in the October 2023 Memorandum of Understanding.
The NLC called for the immediate constitution of a tripartite committee to formulate and pass legislation for a new wage standard for 2027 before the end of the year. Although President Bola Tinubu approved the current N70,000 national minimum wage in July 2024 with a provision for a three-year review cycle, the union argued that inflation had already undermined the value of the wage prior to its implementation.
In addition to wage demands, the NLC called for reduced governance costs, enhanced transparency in public spending, and expanded investment in roads, healthcare, and education. The union raised concerns regarding the allocation of funds saved from the petrol subsidy removal, noting that fuel prices have multiplied while public infrastructure remains deficient.
The NLC criticised Nigeria’s continued dependence on imported refined petroleum products despite being Africa’s largest oil producer, calling for urgent investment to boost domestic refining capacity alongside broader social welfare improvements. The union also highlighted youth unemployment and forced migration, urging the government to create tangible economic opportunities to discourage perilous journeys.
The NLC cautioned against voter intimidation and divisive political rhetoric, announcing it will utilise its Workers’ Charter to evaluate political candidates and policies. The union asserted that organised labour will not be treated as a disposable electoral tool, and will work to ensure that poverty, unemployment, and insecurity are addressed through equitable resource distribution.
Key points
- The NLC demands an immediate reduction in petrol prices and implementation of a nationwide wage award.
- The union criticised the government's failure to fully implement past commitments, including tax relief measures.
- The NLC called for urgent investment to boost domestic refining capacity and address social welfare challenges.
