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• Free transportation for workers across major cities
By Bimbola Oyesola
A labour advocacy group, Working People United (WoPU), has called on the Federal and State Governments to urgently introduce temporary relief measures to cushion the impact of rising fuel prices on Nigerian workers and the general public.
The group said the increasing cost of petroleum and other allied products, driven by the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, is putting additional economic pressure on millions of Nigerians.
In a statement yesterday, WoPU’s National Coordinator, Williams Akporeha, lamented that the rising cost of transportation and the growing prices of essential goods and services are eroding the modest economic gains achieved in recent years.
Akporeha said the current situation requires proactive intervention from governments at all levels to protect the welfare of workers and ordinary citizens.
As an immediate measure, the group urged the Federal and State Governments to introduce free transportation for workers across major cities, similar to initiatives implemented by the Kaduna State Government during periods of economic hardship and festive seasons.
“This initiative will help reduce the commuting burden on workers who travel daily to their workplaces,” he said.
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He also suggested that governments collaborate with transport unions and recognised transport companies to provide subsidised transport services until the global crisis stabilises and fuel prices ease.
The workers’ group further called on governments to partner with employers in both the private and public sectors to introduce additional relief measures that would support workers affected by rising living and transportation costs.
According to Akporeha, authorities should also ensure that essential commodities are made available to citizens at reduced and controlled prices.
“Governments must take deliberate steps to ensure that essential commodities are made available at reduced and controlled prices, as has been done in the past,” he said.
He added that strategic interventions in food supply chains and other basic necessities would help reduce the economic burden on households and prevent further hardship.
Akporeha also urged the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to demonstrate responsive and compassionate leadership during the current global crisis.
He noted that while the group remains committed to the re-election of the president, it would continue to advocate policies and initiatives that promote the welfare, dignity and economic security of Nigerian workers and citizens.
