By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the Federal Government to introduce reasonable wage awards for workers, make sufficient crude available in naira to local refineries, and expand national petroleum storage capacity to strengthen energy security.
In a statement by Comrade Joe Ajaero, President of NLC says petrol now sells for about one thousand four hundred and thirty naira (N1,430) per litre in some major cities, with prices higher in less accessible areas.
The Labour Centre says this increase in petrol price has a direct impact on transportation costs and subsequently affects the prices of food, rents, school fees, and other essential services.
The NLC, in expressing concern over the rising pump price of petrol across the country, says the development is worsening the economic hardship faced by Nigerians. While attributing the latest surge partly to the resurgence of conflict in the Gulf, the NLC argues that Nigeria as an oil-producing country with local refining capacity should have measures in place to cushion the impact of international market fluctuations on citizens.
It also advocates targeted government intervention for citizens during the current emergency and questions on the continued importation of crude by local refineries.
