Workers across Lagos have expressed frustration over the continuous rise in fuel prices, saying the situation has worsened economic hardship and increased the cost of living for many Nigerians.
The concerns were shared on Friday during interviews held as the country joined the rest of the world in commemorating the International Workers’ Day.
Speaking on the state of the economy, several residents said the soaring cost of petrol has led to higher transportation fares, increased food prices, rising rents, and more expensive daily necessities.
A businesswoman based in Ikeja, Rose Adams, said many small business owners are struggling to survive because of growing operational expenses caused by the economic climate.
She urged both the federal and Lagos State governments to introduce practical relief measures and improve communication around economic policies affecting citizens.
Jide Bane, a salesman in Ajah, described the current situation as difficult for ordinary Nigerians, noting that salaries have remained stagnant despite the sharp increase in transportation and household expenses.
According to him, long-term economic reforms are necessary to improve living standards and stabilise the economy.
Another resident, Grace Ngbekem, stated that fuel price hikes have had a ripple effect across all sectors, making transportation, food items, and accommodation significantly more expensive.
A federal civil servant, Nkechi Nwosu, also lamented that the current minimum wage no longer matches present economic realities, citing rising school fees, rent, and food costs as major burdens on workers.
She further called for a more inclusive voter registration process ahead of future elections to encourage wider civic participation.
Meanwhile, legal practitioner Johnson Rapheal said the increase in petrol prices has directly affected the prices of goods and essential services nationwide.
He appealed to authorities to address housing costs, reduce the price of building materials, and strengthen security across the country.
Rapheal warned that if economic difficulties continue unresolved, public confidence and voter turnout ahead of the 2027 general elections could be negatively affected.
