Nigeria’s deepening cost-of-living crisis took centre stage on Thursday as the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) warned that rising fuel prices and mounting economic pressures are pushing workers to breaking point, calling for urgent government intervention.
In a statement issued to mark International Workers’ Day 2026, the Commission’s Executive Secretary, Tony Ojukwu, said recent increases in petrol prices have triggered widespread economic strain, with transportation costs surging beyond the reach of average Nigerians and significantly eroding workers’ incomes.
Ojukwu noted that for millions of workers, particularly those reliant on daily commuting, the situation has become increasingly unsustainable. He warned that declining mobility is beginning to affect productivity, as basic transportation shifts from a necessity to a luxury, undermining both economic stability and the dignity of labour.
While acknowledging efforts by the federal government to cushion the effects of global inflation and ongoing economic reforms, the NHRC said such measures have yet to deliver meaningful relief to citizens facing immediate financial hardship. It stressed that a widening gap persists between policy intentions and the lived realities of Nigerians.
The Commission identified transportation as a major pressure point, citing the absence of an efficient and affordable public transport system as a key factor intensifying the impact of fuel price hikes. It cautioned that without swift corrective action, a significant segment of the workforce could slide further into economic vulnerability.
Beyond fuel-related challenges, the NHRC highlighted structural issues exacerbating the crisis, including controversial estimated electricity billing, persistent metering shortfalls, rising housing costs, and limited access to quality healthcare under the National Health Insurance Authority framework. It also pointed to recurring industrial actions in the health sector, attributing them to poor welfare conditions that ultimately affect both workers and the general public.
The Commission further raised concerns over wage disparities among employees performing similar roles, calling for transparent and equitable salary harmonisation. It described delays in the payment of retirement benefits as a serious injustice, warning that such practices deprive retirees of financial security and dignity after years of service.
Although it acknowledged ongoing investments in the railway sector, the NHRC maintained that broader, more inclusive transport solutions are urgently required nationwide to ease the burden on workers.
Framing the situation as a human rights issue, Ojukwu emphasised that the economic hardship extends beyond fiscal concerns and demands people-centred responses. He urged all levels of government to implement practical policies aimed at improving living standards and protecting workers’ welfare.
As Nigeria joins the global community to mark Workers’ Day, the Commission delivered a stark warning that economic reforms must not come at the expense of citizens’ dignity, cautioning that without deliberate safeguards, workers will continue to bear disproportionate hardship.
