The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) fuel price protests will not follow every increase in petrol prices, its president, Joe Ajaero, has said, arguing that it would be unfair to expect the union to protest every N1 rise.
Ajaero made the statement on Wednesday during an interview on Channels Television. He was responding to questions about his performance as NLC president over the past three years.
He said the union had spoken out against economic hardship affecting Nigerian workers.
“It will be unfair to expect NLC to protest or shut down the economy over every N1 per litre fuel price hike in Nigeria’s deregulated downstream petroleum sector,” Ajaero said.
His comments come amid rising petrol prices across parts of Nigeria. Reports indicate that petrol sold for between N1,370 and N1,429 per litre in Abuja and surrounding areas.
NLC threatens action over fuel prices
The NLC had threatened to shut down economic activities on 27 October 2026 over rising fuel prices and the review of the minimum wage.
However, the federal government intervened by approving a N70,000 transport allowance for public workers, according to the report.
The allowance followed concerns over the rising cost of living and the impact of transport expenses on workers’ earnings.
Ajaero said the union had played its part in challenging economic hardship. However, he rejected expectations that it should mobilise workers for industrial action whenever petrol prices increase by a small amount.
Nigeria operates a deregulated downstream petroleum sector, where market forces influence petrol prices. As a result, pump prices can change in response to supply costs and other market conditions.
The NLC has regularly raised concerns about the effects of fuel price increases on workers and households.
Ajaero’s latest comments clarify the union’s position on calls for repeated protests as petrol prices continue to affect transport and living costs.
The union’s response to future price increases will remain a key issue for workers and the wider economy.
