Lagos: On International Workers’ Day, Lagos workers raised a resounding alarm over skyrocketing fuel prices and deepening economic hardship, warning that the unchecked cost of living is eroding wages, crippling businesses, and threatening the survival of ordinary Nigerians.
The workers spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday as Nigerians joined the global community to mark the United Nations International Workers’ Day.
This year’s Workers’ Day theme is ‘Insecurity, Poverty – Bane of Decent Work.’
Building on these concerns, the respondents, in separate interviews, urged federal and Lagos State authorities to address worsening economic conditions before the 2027 elections.
Specifically, they said rising petrol prices had pushed up transport fares, food prices, housing costs and other basic expenses, further intensifying daily hardships.
For example, a businesswoman in Ikeja, Mrs Rose Adams, said businesses were under severe pressure from rising operating costs.
Adams explains that many entrepreneurs struggle to stay afloat because of the economic situation.
She urged governments to communicate policies clearly and implement measures that would bring relief to citizens, suggesting that clear messaging could alleviate some uncertainty.
Similarly, a salesman in Ajah, Mr Jide Bane, describes the economic situation as deeply troubling.
Bane points out that it is painful that a resource-rich country still battles high energy costs and poor living conditions.
He notes that transport costs have surged, food prices have risen, while workers’ salaries have remained unchanged.
Bane called for sustainable economic reforms to improve citizens’ welfare and restore stability, emphasising the need for lasting solutions.
Echoing these views, Mrs Grace Ngbekem observes that fuel price increases have affected every sector of the economy.
She explains that once fuel prices rise, everything else rises too, including transport, food, and rent.
Adding to these concerns, a federal civil servant, Mrs Nkechi Nwosu, says that the current minimum wage no longer reflects economic realities.
Nwosu states that school fees, food, and rent have all increased, making the minimum wage insufficient.
She also calls for inclusive voter registration to ensure broader participation in the electoral process.
A lawyer, Mr Johnson Rapheal, said rising petrol prices had triggered increases in the prices of goods and essential services.
Raphael notes that life is becoming increasingly difficult for the average Nigerian worker.
He urged the government to consider rent controls, lower building material costs and improved security nationwide.
Raphael warned that unresolved economic challenges could discourage voter participation in the 2027 general elections, highlighting broader societal risks.
The workers spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday as Nigerians joined the global community to mark the United Nations International Workers’ Day.
This year’s Workers’ Day theme is ‘Insecurity, Poverty – Bane of Decent Work.’
Building on these concerns, the respondents, in separate interviews, urged federal and Lagos State authorities to address worsening economic conditions before the 2027 elections.
They said that as gas and petrol prices rise, the costs of transportation, food, rent, and other basic necessities follow, putting additional financial strain on workers and families.
For instance, a businesswoman in Ikeja, Mrs Rose Adams, said businesses were under severe pressure from rising operating costs.
Adams noted that many entrepreneurs struggled to stay afloat due to the economic situation.
She encouraged the government to clearly communicate its policies and implement measures to provide relief to citizens.
Similarly, Mr Jide Bane, a salesman in Ajah, described the economic situation as deeply troubling.
Bane expressed concern that a resource-rich country continued to face high energy costs and poor living conditions.
He said that higher petrol prices led to higher transport and food costs across markets and stores, while stagnant wages made it harder for workers to cover their everyday expenses.
Bane called for sustainable economic reforms to improve citizens’ welfare and restore stability.
Echoing these views, Mrs Grace Ngbekem said increases in fuel prices result in higher transportation, food, healthcare, and education costs, causing a ripple effect across all sectors and inflating overall living expenses.nomy.
“Once fuel prices rise, everything rises, including transport, food and even house rent,” she said.
In addition, Mrs Nkechi Nwosu, a federal civil servant, said the current minimum wage no longer reflected economic realities.
She stated that school fees, food, and rent had all increased, making the minimum wage insufficient.
She also called for inclusive voter registration to ensure broader participation in the electoral process.
A lawyer, Mr Johnson Rapheal, said rising petrol prices had triggered increases in the prices of goods and essential services.
“Life is becoming increasingly difficult for the average Nigerian worker,” Rapheal said.
He urged the government to consider rent controls, lower building material costs and improved security nationwide.
Rapheal warned that unresolved economic challenges could discourage voter participation in the 2027 general elections.