**Fuel Price Hike: Labour Demands Tax Relief and Wage Boost** The crisis in the Middle East has led to a sharp increase in the price of fuel in Nigeria, causing severe hardship for workers and citizens alike. In response, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the federal government to take immediate action to cushion the effects of this hike. The NLC, in a statement, urged the government to provide a cost-of-living allowance and a wage award to all workers, as well as tax relief to ease the burden. The congress also demanded that the government take steps to revive Nigeria's refineries, which would help to reduce the country's reliance on imported fuel. According to the NLC, the government has a responsibility to act decisively to prevent the suffering of its citizens, rather than blaming the crisis solely on the Middle East conflict. The labor union argues that the government cannot afford to be helpless in the face of this crisis, and that it must take concrete steps to address the economic hardship facing Nigerians. The NLC's demands come as the Nigeria Press Organisation (NPO) has also sought the intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reduce import tariffs on newsprint and broadcast equipment. The NPO made this request during a meeting with the president at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG) has suggested that the crisis in the Middle East presents an opportunity for Nigeria to strengthen its macroeconomic stability if policymakers respond with discipline. However, the NLC believes that the government must go beyond mere words and take concrete action to alleviate the suffering of Nigerian workers and citizens. The congress has listed its demands as including: * Immediate wage award and cost-of-living allowance for all workers to cushion the rising cost of living * Expansion and overhaul of the Cash Transfer programme to ensure transparency and guarantee that assistance reaches the most vulnerable members of society * Revival of Nigeria's refineries to reduce the country's reliance on imported fuel The NLC's demands are a clear call to action for the federal government to take concrete steps to address the economic hardship facing Nigerians. As the crisis in the Middle East continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether the government will respond with the necessary urgency and discipline to alleviate the suffering of its citizens.