The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged the Federal Government to take urgent steps to cushion workers and households from the impact of rising petrol prices, including the introduction of reasonable wage awards for workers.
The labour centre also called for adequate crude oil supplies to local refineries through naira transactions and an expansion of Nigeria’s petroleum storage capacity.
The demands were contained in a statement titled “Save the Situation Now," signed by NLC President, Joe Ajaero on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
According to the NLC, petrol is now selling for about N1,430 per litre in some major cities, with prices reportedly higher in areas where the product is less accessible.
NLC Warns of Wider Economic Impact
The labour union expressed concern that the latest increase in petrol prices could further worsen the cost-of-living pressures facing Nigerians.
According to the NLC, higher fuel prices generally increase transportation costs, which can subsequently affect the prices of food, rent, school fees, tariffs and other essential goods and services.
The union said the latest price surge had placed additional pressure on workers whose incomes are already being affected by rising living costs.
The NLC attributed part of the latest increase to renewed conflict in the Gulf but argued that Nigeria, as an oil-producing country with domestic refining capacity, should have measures capable of shielding citizens from external energy-market shocks.
NLC Calls for Wage Awards
One of the union’s immediate demands is for the Federal Government to introduce reasonable wage awards for workers.
The NLC said such intervention would help workers cope with the additional pressure created by higher transportation and household expenses.
The union also argued that government intervention should not automatically be ruled out during an emergency.
Ajaero said subsidies or other forms of support could be considered where necessary to protect citizens from the effects of sudden economic shocks.
Labour Wants Crude Sold to Local Refineries in Naira
The NLC also called on the Federal Government to make sufficient crude oil available to Nigerian refineries through naira transactions.
The union argued that increasing access to locally produced crude would support domestic refining and strengthen Nigeria’s ability to respond to international disruptions in the oil market.
The NLC further called for the expansion of the country's national petroleum storage capacity, saying greater storage capacity would improve energy security and provide a buffer during supply emergencies.
According to the union, the measures could also support job creation and generate additional economic value.
NLC Questions Crude Imports By Local Refineries
The labour organisation also expressed concern over reports that some Nigerian refineries were importing crude oil.
The NLC argued that importing crude for domestic refining undermines the objective of developing local refining capacity in an oil-producing country.
It therefore urged the government to improve the supply of locally produced crude to domestic refineries.
Union Points To Higher Crude Oil Revenue
The NLC further argued that the federal government could have additional fiscal space because international crude prices were, according to the union, trading significantly above the benchmark used in the national budget.
Ajaero said the difference of about $35 to $40 per barrel, as cited by the union, represented additional revenue that could be used to cushion citizens against the impact of higher energy costs.
This is the NLC’s assessment of the government's additional revenue position, rather than an independently established figure in the union's statement.
Petrol Prices and Deregulation
The latest development comes against the background of Nigeria’s deregulated downstream petroleum market following the removal of the petrol subsidy in May 2023.
Under the current market structure, domestic petrol prices are influenced by factors including international crude prices, foreign exchange movements, logistics, and supply conditions.
The government has also pursued increased domestic refining as part of efforts to reduce Nigeria’s exposure to imported petroleum products and international market disruptions.
The recent increase has nevertheless renewed concerns about how fluctuations in global energy markets affect transportation costs and household purchasing power.
NLC Urges Government to Act Quickly
The NLC said the government should respond quickly to the latest increase rather than allow workers and other Nigerians to bear the full burden.
The union maintained that wage support, increased crude supply to local refineries, and stronger petroleum storage capacity could help provide some protection against future energy-market disruptions.
Ajaero said organized labor would continue to raise concerns over the effect of rising fuel prices on workers and the wider population.
For now, the NLC is calling for immediate government intervention as petrol prices remain around N1,430 per litre in some major urban areas, with reports of higher prices in other locations.
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