The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued the Federal Government a two-week ultimatum to take urgent measures to reduce the price of petrol and commence the renegotiation of the national minimum wage.
The ultimatum was contained in a communiqué issued after a joint meeting of the NLC National Executive Council (NEC) and Central Working Committee (CWC) at Labour House, Abuja.
The communiqué, signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero, stated that the two-week deadline would commence on Friday, October 9, 2026.
The labour body called on its affiliates and progressive allies to remain on high alert and prepared for what it described as “decisive efforts” should the government fail to address its demands.
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Minimum Wage Renegotiation
The NLC said the current national minimum wage had been eroded by the depreciation of the naira and rising living costs, arguing that workers could no longer adequately afford basic necessities such as food, housing, healthcare, transportation and education.
It therefore demanded that the Federal Government begin renegotiating the national minimum wage before the end of October 2026, with the new wage reflecting the prevailing cost of living.
Petrol Price Reduction
The Congress also reiterated its demand for an immediate reduction in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol.
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According to the NLC, the high cost of petrol has contributed to increases in transportation fares, food prices and other essential commodities.
The labour organization specifically demanded that petrol prices be reduced to the level they were when the current national minimum wage was signed into law in 2024.
Tax Relief and Wage Awards
Beyond petrol and wages, the NLC demanded that the Federal Government implement previously agreed tax relief measures for workers and immediately provide wage awards to cushion the impact of the rising cost of living.
The union described these measures as necessary interventions to reduce the economic pressure facing workers.
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Other Demands
The NLC also called for the implementation of the Terms of Settlement reached with the Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Healthcare Professionals (JOHESU) on February 5, 2026, as well as the implementation of demands presented by the Joint Public Sector Negotiating Council (JPSNC).
The Congress warned that failure by the government to meet the demands within the two-week period could compel the labour movement to take what it described as “remedial steps” as directed by its relevant organs.
The NLC further urged its affiliates and allies to remain organized and prepared for further action, stressing that it would continue to oppose policies it considers harmful to Nigerian workers and the wider population.
