Labour leaders and pro-democracy activists have called on Nigerians to unite against rising petrol prices and worsening economic hardship, accusing the Federal Government of implementing policies that have increased the burden on workers and low-income households. The call was made at a memorial symposium in Lagos in honour of late activist Abiodun Aremu.
Those who spoke at the event included the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, and members of the Joint Action Front (JAF). NLC President Joe Ajaero, represented by the union’s Acting General Secretary, Benson Upah, said the removal of petrol subsidy had severely affected workers and ordinary Nigerians through higher transport fares, food prices and electricity tariffs.
The NLC said rising living costs had reduced workers’ purchasing power and made it increasingly difficult for them to meet basic needs. It cited the increase in the price of a bag of rice from about ₦30,000 to more than ₦80,000, while a loaf of bread reportedly rose from around ₦500 to ₦1,500. The union also linked the economic pressure to the depreciation of the naira and the rising cost of imported medicines and other essential goods.
The labour union disclosed that it issued a two-week ultimatum to the Federal Government on October 9, demanding an immediate reduction in petrol prices. It also called for measures to stabilise the naira, reduce inflation and strengthen domestic refining capacity. Falana, who chaired the event, challenged the argument that removing fuel subsidy was the only option available, noting that countries including the United States, Germany and France subsidise fuel and other essential services.
Another speaker, Adesina, questioned how Nigerians earning the ₦70,000 monthly minimum wage could cope with rising petrol prices. She noted that at ₦1,400 per litre, the monthly minimum wage would buy only 50 litres of petrol, before accounting for rent, food, school fees and other expenses. The speakers called on the government to review its economic priorities, reduce the pressure of rising fuel costs and introduce measures to protect workers and vulnerable households.
