The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed serious concerns over the rising cost of petrol under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. NLC spokesperson Benson Upah recently warned that if the government’s current subsidy removal policy continues unchecked, petrol prices may soar to an unimaginable ₦5,000 per litre.
All Pain, no progress…
Upah who criticized the government’s approach to economic reforms, explained that many citizens are already struggling with inflation and an increasing cost of living. He added that the removal of fuel subsidies has only worsened the situation for the average Nigerian, leading to skyrocketing transport and energy costs.
The NLC spokesperson also pointed out that the policy could further widen the gap between the rich and poor, as low-income families would bear the brunt of these escalating costs. “How will the average Nigerian survive?” Upah asked, underscoring the urgent need for a more people-focused policy to alleviate growing financial pressures.
Recall that the NLC had lamented the lack of concrete plans from the government to address the ripple effects of the subsidy removal. According to the union, the government has failed to put in place sufficient measures to cushion the effects on the masses, leaving many vulnerable.
The NLC spokesman, Upah warned that without swift intervention, the already precarious situation could worsen, leading to social unrest. The NLC continues to push for policy reforms that protect Nigerians from the negative consequences of subsidy removal, while advocating for alternatives that can better support economic recovery.
The warning comes amid heightened fears about further increases in fuel prices, especially as global oil prices fluctuate. Many Nigerians now wonder whether the government will heed the NLC’s call for action or stay the course despite mounting criticism.
As the debate intensifies, the NLC insists that it will continue to advocate for the rights of Nigerian workers and the general population, urging the government to explore more sustainable economic policies that benefit all citizens, not just the elite.
