ABUJA — The Working People United, WoPU, has urged the Federal and State Governments to introduce urgent relief measures to cushion Nigerians against the rising cost of fuel, which has escalated sharply due to ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
The surge in fuel prices is placing heavy financial pressure on workers and ordinary citizens, affecting transportation, food, and other essential services.
It recommended temporary measures that could help ease the immediate burden on commuters and households while the global crisis persists.
Prince Williams Akporeha, Interim National Coordinator of WoPU, in a statement, said, among others: “The surge in fuel prices, largely driven by ongoing tensions and conflict in the Middle East, is placing additional economic pressure on millions of Nigerians. Rising transportation costs and the increasing prices of essential goods and services are eroding the modest gains achieved by the administration in recent years.
“WoPU believes this is a critical moment that requires proactive intervention from government at all levels to protect the welfare of workers and ordinary citizens.
“As an immediate measure, WoPU urges the Federal and State Governments to provide free transportation for workers across major cities, similar to arrangements already introduced by the Kaduna State Government and those often implemented during festive periods. This initiative will help reduce the commuting burden on workers who travel daily to their workplaces.
“The governments can also collaborate with transport unions and recognized transport companies to provide subsidized or cheaper transport services until the global crisis stabilizes and fuel prices ease. While challenging, this difficult period is expected to be temporary.
“In addition, WoPU calls on the Federal and State Governments to partner with private and public sector employers, as well as their federating agencies, to introduce relief measures supporting all workers affected by the sudden rise in transportation and living costs.“Furthermore, WoPU urges governments to take deliberate steps to ensure that essential commodities are made available at reduced and controlled prices, as has been done in the past. Strategic interventions in food supply chains and other basic necessities will help ease the burden on households and prevent further economic hardship.
“This period demands the usual responsive and compassionate leadership from Mr. President, who should act swiftly to ensure that Nigerian workers and citizens do not bear the full weight of a global crisis that is entirely beyond their control.“While WoPU remains unwaveringly committed to the re-election of President Bola Tinubu, we will also continue to advocate for policies and initiatives that promote the welfare, dignity, and economic security of Nigerian workers and citizens.”
