The Working People United (WoPU), a movement committed to good governance has called on the federal and state governments to urgently introduce temporary relief measures to cushion Nigerian workers and the general public from the harsh effects of rising fuel costs.

A statement by its Interim National Coordinator, Williams Akporeha, urged President Tinubu to act swiftly to ensure that Nigerian workers and citizens do not bear the full weight of a global crisis that is entirely beyond their control.

He argued that the surge in fuel prices, largely driven by ongoing tensions and conflict in the Middle East, was placing additional economic pressure on millions of Nigerians.

According to him, rising transportation costs and the increasing prices of essential goods and services are eroding the modest gains achieved by the administration in recent years.

He stated that the group believes the period was a critical moment that required proactive intervention from government at all levels to protect the welfare of workers and ordinary citizens.

As an immediate measure, WoPU urged the federal and state governments to provide free transportation for workers across major cities, similar to arrangements already introduced by the Kaduna State Government and those often implemented during festive periods.

The initiative, Akporeha said would help reduce the commuting burden on workers who travel daily to their workplaces.

He urged that the governments could also collaborate with transport unions and recognised transport companies to provide subsidised or cheaper transport services until the global crisis stabilises and fuel prices ease.

In addition, WoPU also called on the federal and state governments to partner with private and public sector employers, as well as their federating agencies, to introduce relief measures supporting all workers affected by the sudden rise in transportation and living costs.

The group stressed that governments should take deliberate steps to ensure that essential commodities are made available at reduced and controlled prices, as has been done in the past.

According to it, strategic interventions in food supply chains and other basic necessities will help ease the burden on households and prevent further economic hardship.

“This period demands the usual responsive and compassionate leadership from Mr. President, who should act swiftly to ensure that Nigerian workers and citizens do not bear the full weight of a global crisis that is entirely beyond their control.

“While Working People United remains unwaveringly committed to the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we will also continue to advocate for policies and initiatives that promote the welfare, dignity, and economic security of Nigerian workers and citizens,” it said.