NLC gives FG two-week ultimatum to cut petrol price, renegotiate minimum wage

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has given the Federal Government a two-week ultimatum to take urgent steps to reduce the price of petrol and commence the renegotiation of the national minimum wage.

The labour union warned that failure to meet its demands within the specified period could trigger further action by the labour movement.

The ultimatum was contained in a communiqué issued after a joint meeting of the NLC National Executive Council (NEC) and Central Working Committee (CWC) held at Labour House, Abuja.

The communiqué, signed by NLC President, Joe Ajaero, said the deadline would begin on Friday, October 9, 2026.

The Congress also directed its affiliates and progressive allies to remain on high alert and prepared for what it described as “decisive efforts” against policies it considers detrimental to workers and the wider population.

According to the communiqué, the labour leadership expressed concern over the worsening economic conditions facing workers and other Nigerians, citing rising inflation, the depreciation of the naira and the increasing cost of living.

“Having extensively discussed the grave economic, political, and crises of survival ravaging workers and the nation at large, NEC-in-session, in conjunction with the CWC, resolves as follows,” the communiqué stated.

The NLC said the current economic situation had eroded workers’ purchasing power and made it increasingly difficult for households to afford basic necessities.

Minimum wage renegotiation

On the national minimum wage, the NLC said the current wage had been significantly weakened by the depreciation of the naira and rising living costs.

It said workers were struggling to afford food, housing, healthcare, transportation and education on their current earnings.

“Consequently, NEC-in-session demands that the federal government commences the renegotiation of the national minimum wage before the end of this month,” the union said.

The NLC said it was demanding a living wage that reflects the prevailing cost of living and provides Nigerian workers with what it described as a dignified standard of living.

It warned that any further delay in commencing the renegotiation process would be unacceptable.

Petrol price

The Congress also renewed its demand for an immediate reduction in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol.

The union argued that high petrol prices had increased the cost of transportation, food and other essential goods and services.

“The joint meeting reiterates its call on the federal government to work with relevant agencies to immediately reduce the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol,” the communiqué stated.

The NLC demanded that the government reduce petrol prices nationwide to the level at which they stood when the current national minimum wage was signed into law in 2024.

It said the measure was necessary to cushion workers and other Nigerians against the effects of the current energy crisis.

Tax relief, wage awards

Beyond petrol and minimum wage, the NLC demanded tax relief for workers and the immediate payment of wage awards to cushion the impact of rising living costs.

“These measures are the bare minimum required to alleviate the suffering of Nigerian workers and restore a measure of dignity to their lives,” the union said.

The Congress argued that workers should not continue to bear the burden of economic adjustments without corresponding relief measures from the government.

Other demands

The NLC also demanded the implementation of the terms of settlement reached with the Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Healthcare Professionals (JOHESU) on February 5, 2026.

It further called for the implementation of demands presented by the Joint Public Sector Negotiating Council (JPSNC).

The Congress warned that failure to meet the demands within the two-week period would leave it with no option but to take what it described as “remedial steps” as directed by its relevant organs.

The NLC reaffirmed its stated commitment to defending workers against exploitation and what it considers anti-worker and anti-people policies.

It called on its affiliates and allies to remain mobilised and prepared for further action as the deadline approaches.

The two-week ultimatum is expected to run from October 9 to October 23, 2026.

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