The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged the Federal Government to introduce reasonable wage awards for workers as petrol prices rise and economic hardship deepens across the country.

In a statement titled “Save the Situation Now,” signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero, the labour centre said petrol was selling for as much as ₦1,430 per litre in major cities, with prices even higher in areas where supply is limited.

The NLC warned that rising fuel and transport costs would further push up the prices of food, school fees, rent, tariffs and other essential services.

“These new costs continue to inflict or deepen poverty among the populace, stressing the quality of life to the limits,” it said.

The labour union also called on the government to supply sufficient crude oil to local refineries in naira and expand strategic petroleum storage capacity to strengthen the country’s energy security.

It argued that Nigeria, as an oil-producing nation, should not remain vulnerable to external shocks arising from renewed conflict in the Gulf.

“There is nothing wrong with government subsidising the needs of citizens, especially in emergency situations like this,” the NLC said.

The union further criticised the continued importation of crude by local refineries, saying the practice undermined efforts to develop domestic refining capacity.

It also warned against allowing petroleum marketers to impose additional hardship on Nigerians under the guise of deregulation.

“A government that seeks re-election in the next few months cannot afford to stand by and watch marketers inflict suffering on the citizenry in the name of deregulation,” the NLC said.

The labour centre said its proposed measures would help protect workers, create jobs, generate economic value and strengthen Nigeria’s preparedness for energy emergencies.