NLC, Falana Demand Petrol Price Cut, Warn FG Over Hardship

 

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), human rights lawyer Femi Falana and other activists have called on the Federal Government to reduce petrol prices and introduce urgent measures to ease the rising cost of living.

They made the call at a symposium in Lagos commemorating late activist Abiodun Aremu, where speakers lamented the impact of rising energy and food prices on workers and low-income households.

Speaking through the NLC Acting General Secretary, Benson Upah, NLC President Joe Ajaero said high petrol prices, transportation costs, electricity tariffs and naira depreciation had worsened economic hardship.

Ajaero said the union issued the government a two-week ultimatum beginning October 9, demanding a reduction in petrol prices to levels prevailing when the current ₦70,000 minimum wage was agreed in 2024. The deadline falls around October 23.

The congress also demanded negotiations for a new minimum wage, tax relief for workers, wage awards and implementation of outstanding agreements with public-sector and health-sector unions. It warned that failure to address its demands could trigger further action.

Falana challenged the argument that subsidy removal was the only option available to the government, urging authorities to consider alternatives that would reduce the burden on citizens.

Joint Action Front representative Rashidat Adesina said petrol selling at about ₦1,400 per litre made life increasingly difficult for workers earning ₦70,000 monthly, leaving little for food, rent, school fees and other necessities.

The activists urged the government to review its economic policies and invest in domestic refining to ease pressure on households.