The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the Federal Government to introduce a cost-of-living allowance and grant tax relief to workers following the recent surge in petrol prices linked to tensions in the Middle East.
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In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its President, Joe Ajaero, the labour union said the increase in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, had intensified economic hardship for Nigerian workers and ordinary citizens.
The NLC noted that the latest price rise had further strained household incomes and exposed structural weaknesses in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector. According to the union, the development has deepened the suffering of workers and their families who are already struggling with rising living costs.
To address the situation, the labour body urged the government to immediately introduce a wage award and a cost-of-living allowance for workers to help offset the impact of inflation and higher fuel prices.
It also called for the expansion and restructuring of the federal government’s cash transfer programme, stressing that the scheme should be made more transparent and targeted toward the most vulnerable Nigerians. The NLC added that the value of such transfers should reflect prevailing inflation levels.
In addition, the union demanded tax relief measures for workers, including the suspension of what it described as regressive taxes imposed on low-income earners and a review of taxation affecting those in the informal sector.
The NLC maintained that urgent government intervention is necessary to shield Nigerians from the economic shock triggered by the fuel price increase and to prevent further deterioration in living conditions. CULLED FROM CHANNELS
