NLC Demands Urgent Govt Relief as Petrol Prices Surge Amid US–Israel–Iran War

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the Federal Government to take immediate steps to protect Nigerians from the rising cost of petrol and the resulting economic hardship facing workers and ordinary citizens.

In a statement issued by its President, Joe Ajaero, the union warned that recent increases in petrol pump prices — now averaging between ₦1,170 and ₦1,300 per litre in many parts of the country — are placing “unbearable pressure” on households already contending with high inflation and dwindling purchasing power.

The NLC said the price surge has been driven largely by escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East involving the United States, Israel and Iran, which have triggered instability in global oil markets and pushed up crude oil prices internationally.

Describing the development as “an attack on the welfare of citizens,” the labour body said Nigerian workers are bearing the brunt of a crisis they did not cause.

“The military escalation involving the U.S., Israel and Iran has sent shockwaves through global oil markets,” the union said. “Consequently, petrol prices in Nigeria have skyrocketed to between ₦1,170 and ₦1,300 per litre. This is a direct assault on the Nigerian people.”

READ ALSO:

• Tinubu Orders Nationwide Free Rice Distribution for Ramadan, Lent Support
• Police Launch Forensic Investigation Into Fatal Osogbo Shooting
• Sanusi II: My Dethronement as Emir Helped Me Earn a PhD

The NLC also cited projections from the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG) that Nigeria could earn up to ₦30 trillion in oil windfall due to the price spikes, urging the government to channel such revenue towards alleviating hardship for citizens rather than allowing it to “grow wings.”

To cushion the impact of the crisis on workers and vulnerable populations, the NLC outlined several urgent demands, including:

• An immediate wage award and cost‑of‑living allowance (COLA) for workers;
• Expanded cash transfers to support vulnerable citizens;
• Tax relief for low‑income earners;
• A clear timeline for the operationalisation of all public refineries in Nigeria.

The labour union argued that the current crisis has exposed structural weaknesses in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector, stressing that continued reliance on global market pricing leaves the country vulnerable to external shocks.

According to the NLC, even privately owned refineries, including the Dangote Refinery, have responded to global price volatility by increasing their own pricing, reinforcing the need for a functioning public refining system.

“Our public refineries must be operational,” the NLC said, pointing to facilities in Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna as vital to achieving energy security and reducing dependence on volatile global markets.

The union warned that rising fuel prices have already driven up transportation costs and contributed to worsening food inflation, placing even greater strain on workers and their families.

“This crisis has brutally exposed the fragility of Nigeria’s downstream sector,” the NLC said. “As long as we remain dependent on a market‑driven pricing structure tied to global vicissitudes, we will remain hostages to wars and speculators.”

The union stressed the need for meaningful engagement between the government and organised labour to address Nigeria’s broader economic challenges and protect the welfare of citizens.

“We are not a statistic; we are the engine of this nation,” the statement added. “When the engine overheats, the entire vehicle crashes. We demand action. We demand justice. We demand survival.”

NLC Demands Urgent Govt Relief as Petrol Prices Surge Amid US–Israel–Iran War

Nigerian Muslims, others should be protected against Islamophobia – UN chief

The Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, has called on governments, institutions and communities across the world to intensify efforts to combat Islamophobia and protect Muslims from discrimination, hostility and violence.

Guterres warned that growing prejudice against Muslims threatens social cohesion, human rights and peaceful coexistence, stressing that intolerance against any group undermines the foundations of inclusive societies.

He made the appeal in a message marking the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, observed annually on March 15.

According to the UN chief, the world’s nearly two billion Muslims come from diverse cultures, languages and traditions, reflecting the richness and diversity of humanity.

He noted that Muslim communities contribute significantly to global development through education, commerce, science, culture and public service in many countries.

However, Guterres said many Muslims still face institutional discrimination, socio-economic exclusion, biased immigration policies and unwarranted surveillance and profiling.

READ ALSO:

• Gowon Praises Tinubu’s Leadership as APC Counters Opposition Poverty Claims
• Iran Strikes US Forces in Saudi Arabia, Damaging Aircraft 
• More Pressure on Oil Markets as Iran Threatens UAE Ports After US Strikes Kharg Island

“These worrying trends are fuelled by anti-Muslim rhetoric and outright hate, which can lead to harassment and violence against individuals and places of worship,” he said.

The UN chief warned that unchecked hate speech, misinformation and stereotypes could deepen divisions and threaten peaceful coexistence among different faiths and cultures.

He urged governments worldwide to take concrete steps to address religious discrimination, protect freedom of belief, and combat hate speech in line with international human rights law.

According to him, national laws and policies must guarantee equal rights and protection for everyone regardless of religion, belief, ethnicity or background.

Guterres also called on technology companies and online platforms to strengthen their response to digital hate campaigns targeting religious communities.

He said social media companies must act responsibly by removing harmful content and preventing harassment based on religion or belief.

“All people must speak out against bigotry, xenophobia and discrimination wherever they find it,” he said, warning that silence in the face of hate allows prejudice to spread and undermines collective efforts to build tolerant societies.

The UN chief further recalled that in May 2025 he appointed Miguel Ángel Moratinos, the High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, as the UN Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia.

According to him, the envoy’s role is to strengthen global cooperation and coordinate international efforts aimed at addressing anti-Muslim discrimination and promoting religious tolerance worldwide.

Guterres said the UN has also launched several initiatives, including the UN Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech, to tackle online incitement, misinformation and hostility directed at religious communities.

“On this International Day to Combat Islamophobia, let us recommit to equality, human rights and dignity for every person, regardless of faith,” he said.

“Let us eradicate the scourge of Islamophobia from every country and community.”

Nigerian Muslims, others should be protected against Islamophobia – UN chief

Gowon Praises Tinubu’s Leadership as APC Counters Opposition Poverty Claims

Former military head of state, General Yakubu Gowon, has praised President Bola Tinubu for his performance across key sectors of governance, describing the administration’s efforts as broad and impactful. Gowon, who ruled Nigeria between 1966 and 1975, made the remarks after paying a courtesy visit to Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Speaking to reporters, Gowon said: “I came to see him and to thank him for all the good works that he’s doing for the country. We have to look at all the good work that the President is doing and the progress that Nigeria is making economically and otherwise.” He added that Tinubu appears to be addressing national challenges “all round”, spanning political, economic, social, and security sectors.

On security, Gowon acknowledged the complexity of Nigeria’s situation but expressed confidence that the government is taking necessary steps to ensure the nation’s safety and stability. “The major problem that we have today, the security area, he’s doing everything to deal with those for the good of all Nigeria,” he said, emphasising that leadership requires balancing multiple priorities simultaneously.

Gowon also expressed optimism about the government’s handling of current national challenges, stating: “The government is handling it the best it can to ensure that Nigeria, in the end, achieves the peace that it deserves, that it requires and it deserves.” His endorsement reflects his standing as a respected elder statesman and a voice of national reconciliation.

READ ALSO:

• Iran Strikes US Forces in Saudi Arabia, Damaging Aircraft 
• More Pressure on Oil Markets as Iran Threatens UAE Ports After US Strikes Kharg Island
• Calls Intensify for Tinubu Govt to Scrap NYSC Amid Rising Insecurity

APC Fires Back at ADC Over Poverty Claims

On the same day, the All Progressives Congress (APC) responded to claims by the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) that Nigeria’s poverty rate had surged to 63 per cent, calling the assertions misleading. The ADC based its claims on an Agora Policy dialogue report, which indicated a rise from 49% to 63%.

APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka dismissed the opposition’s claims, describing them as ignorant of President Tinubu’s ongoing economic reforms. He defended the administration’s fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange harmonisation, stating that these reforms were necessary to correct long-standing structural issues and curb corruption and border smuggling.

Morka acknowledged that the reforms had caused short-term hardship but emphasised positive economic indicators under Tinubu’s leadership. These include 4.4% economic growth in 2025, projected 5.5% expansion this fiscal year, foreign reserves surpassing $50 billion, declining inflation rates, and non-oil exports exceeding $6 billion. The APC also highlighted ongoing social protection initiatives, such as cash transfers, student loans, and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) projects, aimed at cushioning citizens while strengthening household resilience.

The party accused the ADC of offering no tangible policy alternatives, asserting that Nigerians are too discerning to be swayed by empty opposition attacks.

Gowon’s endorsement and APC’s defense of Tinubu’s reforms underscore the administration’s efforts to navigate complex economic, security, and social challenges, while responding to criticisms from opposition parties.

Gowon Praises Tinubu’s Leadership as APC Counters Opposition Poverty Claims