Workers across Lagos have expressed growing concern over rising fuel prices, warning that the continuous increase is worsening living conditions and placing severe pressure on households and businesses.
The concerns were shared during interviews marking the United Nations International Workers’ Day themed “Insecurity, Poverty, Bane of Decent Work,” as Nigerians joined the global community in reflecting on labour conditions.
Many respondents said the rising cost of petrol has triggered a chain reaction across the economy, increasing transport fares, food prices, rent, and general cost of living while incomes remain largely unced.
A business owner in Ikeja, Mrs Rose Adams, said small businesses are struggling to survive under mounting operational costs. She called on government authorities at both federal and state levels to communicate policies more clearly and introduce relief measures for citizens.
Similarly, Mr Jide Bane, a salesman in Ajah, described the situation as troubling, noting that it is paradoxical for an oil producing nation like Nigeria to continue facing high energy costs. He urged the government to implement long term reforms to ilise the economy.
Other residents, including Mrs Grace Ngbekem and Mrs Nkechi Nwosu, said fuel price increases have affected nearly every sector, from transport and food to housing and education. Nwosu added that the current minimum wage no longer reflects economic realities faced by workers.
A legal practitioner, Mr Johnson Raphael, warned that rising fuel costs could discourage voter participation in the 2027 elections if economic hardship persists. He called for broader reforms, including rent regulation, reduced building material costs, and improved security nationwide.
The workers collectively urged both federal and state governments to take urgent action to ease economic pressure and restore ility for citizens ahead of the next election cycle.
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