Fuel Hike Crisis: NHRC Warns Nigerian Workers at Breaking Point, Demands Urgent Government Action

By: Michael Mike

Nigeria’s worsening cost-of-living crisis came under sharp scrutiny on Thursday as the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) issued a strong warning that rising fuel prices and systemic economic pressures are pushing workers deeper into hardship, urging immediate government intervention to avert further deterioration.

In a statement marking International Workers’ Day 2026, the Commission’s Executive Secretary, Tony Ojukwu, said the recent petrol price hikes have triggered a chain reaction of economic strain, with transportation costs soaring beyond the reach of average Nigerians and severely eroding workers’ incomes.

He warned that the daily reality for millions of workers—particularly those dependent on commuting—has become increasingly unsustainable, with productivity declining as basic mobility becomes a luxury rather than a necessity. According to him, the situation is steadily undermining not just economic stability but also the dignity of labour in the country.

While acknowledging federal efforts to mitigate the effects of global inflation and economic reforms, the NHRC stressed that such measures have yet to translate into meaningful relief for citizens facing immediate and severe financial pressure. The Commission argued that the gap between policy intentions and lived realities continues to widen.

The NHRC identified transportation as a critical pressure point, noting that the absence of a functional and affordable public transport system has amplified the impact of fuel price increases. It cautioned that without urgent corrective measures, a significant portion of the workforce risks sliding further into economic vulnerability.

Beyond fuel and transport costs, Ojukwu drew attention to entrenched structural challenges worsening the crisis. These include controversial estimated electricity billing practices, persistent metering gaps, rising housing costs, and limited access to quality healthcare under the National Health Insurance framework. He also flagged recurring industrial actions in the health sector, attributing them to poor welfare conditions that ultimately affect both workers and the broader population.

The Commission further raised concerns over wage disparities among workers performing similar roles, calling for transparent and equitable salary harmonisation across sectors. It described delays in the payment of retirement benefits as a grave injustice, warning that such practices strip retirees of dignity and financial security after years of service.

Although the NHRC acknowledged ongoing investments in the railway sector, it insisted that broader and more inclusive transport solutions are urgently needed nationwide to ease the burden on workers.

Framing the crisis in rights-based terms, Ojukwu emphasized that the current economic hardship is not merely a fiscal issue but a human rights concern requiring immediate, people-centered responses. He called on all levels of government to adopt practical policies that directly improve living standards and safeguard workers’ welfare.

As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark Workers’ Day, the Commission delivered a blunt message: economic reforms must not come at the expense of citizens’ dignity. Without deliberate protections, it warned, Nigerian workers will continue to shoulder disproportionate hardship in a system that offers little relief.

Fuel Hike Crisis: NHRC Warns Nigerian Workers at Breaking Point, Demands Urgent Government Action

Troops Recover Rifle, Ammunition During Clearance Operation in Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of 403 Amphibious Brigade, in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have recovered arms and ammunition during a clearance operation along a major supply route in Borno State.

Security sources told Zagazola that the recovery was made at about 12:00 p.m. on April 29 during a shoulder clearance operation along the Baga–Cross Kauwa road in Kukawa Local Government Area.

The sources said the operation, conducted by troops alongside Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) personnel and civilian volunteers, was part of ongoing efforts to secure the main supply route and prevent insurgent activities.

According to the sources, items recovered include one AK-47 rifle, one magazine and 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

They added that no contact was made with any suspected terrorists during the operation, which was carried out successfully without incident.

The sources said troops would continue clearance and surveillance operations to ensure sustained security along key routes in the area.

Troops Recover Rifle, Ammunition During Clearance Operation in Borno

Borno Adopts Gubio as APC Consensus Governorship Candidate

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, on Thursday, presented Engr. Mustafa Gubio, the APC Governorship consensus candidate to Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Governor Zulum, who described the emergence of the candidate as the outcome of extensive consultations across party stakeholders.

According to Zulum, the decision reflects a unified position within the party in the state. He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as “strategic leadership, support and guidance” to both the government and the APC.

“I wish to express my profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the leadership he is providing in the country and for the enormous support to Borno State as well as the APC, which has been unprecedented,” the governor said.

“ I would also like to commend the President, who has been instrumental in the emergence of Gubio as the consensus candidate.

Zulum also acknowledged the Vice President’s support in strengthening party cohesion in the state and for his support of the consensus candidate.

He further appreciated the APC leadership at all levels, party stakeholders, and the state’s residents for their support, prayers, and steadfastness, which he said paved the way for Gubio’s emergence.

The governor had earlier unveiled Engr. Mustapha Gubio as his preferred successor on Monday after purchasing the party’s Nomination and Expression of Interest forms for the 2027 governorship election under the APC platform.

Those in attendance during the presentation of the consensus candidate include former Governor, Senator Maina Ma’aji Lawan; Deputy Governor, Hon. Umar Usman Kadafur; APC Deputy National Chairman, Hon. Ali Bukar Dalori; Senators Mohanmed Tahir Monguno; Mohamed Ali Ndume and Kaka Shehu Lawan SAN, Speaker Borno State House of Assembly; Hon Abdulkarim Lawan; Minister of Agriculture, Hon Abubakar Kyari and Hon. Abdulkadir Rahis.

Borno Adopts Gubio as APC Consensus Governorship Candidate