The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged the Federal Government to take urgent action to ease the growing burden of soaring petrol prices on Nigerians, warning that the latest increase could further worsen the country's economic challenges and deepen poverty.

NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, made the appeal in a statement released on Wednesday under the theme, “Save the Situation Now,” where he expressed concern over the rising cost of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and its far-reaching effects on households and businesses.

According to Ajaero, petrol is now being sold for about N1,430 per litre in several major cities where supplies are available, while residents in remote and underserved areas are paying even higher prices. He noted that the development has triggered a fresh wave of hardship, as transportation costs continue to rise and push up the prices of goods and services across the country.

The labour leader explained that fuel prices have a direct impact on virtually every sector of the economy, from food and housing to education and utilities.

"When transportation costs increase, the effect is immediately felt in the prices of food items, school fees, rent, electricity tariffs and other essential services," he said.

Ajaero argued that the latest spike in petrol prices has placed additional strain on workers and low-income earners whose wages have remained largely stagnant despite the rising cost of living. He warned that millions of Nigerians are finding it increasingly difficult to cope with everyday expenses.

While acknowledging that the renewed tensions in the Gulf region have contributed to volatility in global oil markets, Ajaero maintained that Nigeria should not be as vulnerable to external shocks given its status as a major oil-producing nation with domestic refining capacity.

He said the country's abundant petroleum resources should provide a buffer against international disruptions, adding that Nigerians deserve to benefit from the nation's natural wealth.

The NLC president called on the Federal Government to introduce a package of relief measures aimed at cushioning the impact of the fuel price increase. Among the proposals, he urged authorities to provide reasonable wage awards for workers, ensure adequate crude oil supply in naira to local refineries, and expand the country's strategic fuel storage facilities to strengthen energy security.

According to him, such measures would not only help stabilise fuel prices but also create employment opportunities, stimulate economic activities and contribute to addressing broader social and security concerns.

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Ajaero also defended government intervention in times of economic distress, insisting that supporting citizens during emergencies should not be viewed negatively.

"There is nothing wrong with government stepping in to assist citizens, especially when economic realities are becoming unbearable," he stated.

The labour leader further argued that the Federal Government is currently benefiting from higher international crude oil prices, which are significantly above the benchmark used in budget projections. He described the additional earnings as a windfall that should be deployed to protect Nigerians from the adverse effects of rising energy costs.

On the issue of local refining, Ajaero criticised the continued reliance of domestic refineries on imported crude oil, describing the practice as contradictory to the objective of building a self-sufficient refining industry.

He maintained that the country must prioritise supplying locally produced crude to its refineries if it hopes to reduce dependence on external markets and achieve lasting energy stability.

The NLC president stressed that organised labour would continue to monitor developments in the downstream petroleum sector and speak out whenever policies or market conditions impose undue hardship on citizens.

He warned that government cannot afford to remain passive while Nigerians grapple with the consequences of rising fuel prices, particularly at a time when many families are struggling to make ends meet.

Ajaero reiterated the labour movement's commitment to defending the welfare of workers and the broader public, insisting that urgent intervention is needed to prevent the situation from deteriorating further.