NLC Demands Extra Cash and Tax Relief for Workers as Petrol Hits ₦1,350; Union Asks Govt to Use ₦30 Trillion Oil Profit to Help the Poor

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has told the Federal Government that workers are now “suffering and crying” because of the latest jump in petrol prices. On Sunday, March 15, 2026, the union released a strong message titled “Save Nigerians From This Shock,” calling for immediate help before things get worse.

In many cities, the price of fuel has climbed as high as ₦1,350 per litre. The NLC explained that while there is a war going on in the Middle East, it is unfair for Nigerian workers to be “bombed with poverty” because of a global crisis they did not start. They pointed out that even local refineries are now charging high prices, making it almost impossible for people to afford transport or food.

The NLC President, Joe Ajaero, is demanding that the government immediately start paying a “Cost of Living Allowance” (COLA) to help workers buy food and pay for buses. He also wants the government to stop taxing low-income earners. “When a worker cannot afford to go to work, the whole economy will stop,” the union warned.

Experts say Nigeria will make a huge profit of ₦30 trillion from selling crude oil at high prices during this war. The NLC insists that this “windfall” money must be used to fix refineries and provide food for the hungry. They are asking the government to act quickly to prevent serious “social unrest” across the country.