The National Coordinator of the Initiative for Social Rights Concerns and Advancement (ISRCA), Comrade Derrick Oritsematosan Agberen, also known as “No Justice, No Peace,” has called on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to redirect their attention from the Federal Government to transporters, traders, and business owners. Agberen emphasized the need for immediate action to ensure that the ongoing reduction in fuel prices translates into lower transport fares and commodity prices for Nigerians.
Speaking in a statement shared with The Trumpet on Tuesday, Agberen expressed concern over the persistent exploitation of Nigerians by certain groups despite the reduction in fuel prices. “The NLC Chairman, Comrade Joe Ajaero, and the TUC Chairman, Comrade Festus Osifo, must shift their focus to regulating and monitoring the activities of transport unions, traders, and businesses. These groups have a history of exploiting fuel price fluctuations to impose unreasonable price hikes, which burden the masses,” he stated.
Agberen criticized the labor unions for their repeated calls for strikes, suggesting that the same vigor should be applied to addressing the unchecked inflation caused by transporters and traders. He pointed out that the recent reduction in petrol pump prices—from ₦1,450 per liter to ₦980 per liter—should naturally lead to a significant decrease in transportation costs and commodity prices.
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He further noted that historically, once prices of goods and services increase due to fuel hikes, they rarely come down, even when the fuel prices normalize. “In Nigeria, transport fares and food prices often remain inflated despite improved economic conditions. This trend must change if we are to alleviate the struggles of ordinary citizens,” Agberen added.
Agberen called for urgent interventions to ensure traders and business owners adjust their pricing accordingly. He emphasized that until fuel prices are standardized and made affordable nationwide, stakeholders in the transport and trade sectors must demonstrate accountability by lowering costs in tandem with fuel price reductions.