By George Ozalla
The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, has called on the Federal Government to take immediate steps to ease the mounting hardship faced by Nigerian workers as rising fuel prices and living costs continue to erode incomes and strain livelihoods.
The Commission, in a statement marking the 2026 International Workers’ Day, said the recent increase in petrol prices has placed a heavy burden on workers, particularly those who depend on daily commuting to earn a living. It noted that transport fares have risen sharply, cutting into earnings, weakening productivity, and putting pressure on the dignity of labour.
Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr Tony Ojukwu, said although government has taken steps to address poverty in the face of global inflation, those efforts have yet to ease the immediate realities confronting Nigerians.
He identified transportation as one of the most pressing challenges, noting that the absence of an efficient and affordable public transport system has worsened the impact of fuel price increases. He warned that without prompt intervention, more workers could be pushed deeper into economic hardship.
The Commission also highlighted broader structural concerns, including estimated electricity billing and metering challenges, high housing costs, and limited access to healthcare under the National Health Insurance Scheme. It added that recurring industrial actions in the health sector, driven by poor welfare conditions, continue to disrupt services and affect workers and their families.
It further raised concerns over wage disparities among workers performing similar roles and called for a transparent approach to salary harmonisation. The Commission described delays in the payment of retirement benefits as unacceptable, noting that such delays deny retirees the dignity and security due to them after years of service.
While acknowledging ongoing investments in the railway sector, the Commission stressed the need to expand affordable and reliable transportation options across the country to directly ease the burden on workers.
The NHRC maintained that the hardship linked to fuel price increases and inflation is not only an economic issue but one that touches on the rights and welfare of citizens. It urged the Federal Government to act swiftly with practical measures that will improve the living and working conditions of Nigerians, insisting that workers should not continue to bear the full weight of ongoing reforms without adequate protection.
