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The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has given the Federal Government a two-week ultimatum to reduce petrol prices and commence the renegotiation of the national minimum wage, warning that failure to meet its demands could trigger further action by organised labour.
The ultimatum was contained in a communiqué issued after a joint meeting of the NLC’s National Executive Council (NEC) and Central Working Committee (CWC) at Labour House, Abuja.
The communiqué, signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero, stated that the deadline would commence on Friday, October 9, 2026.
The Congress also directed its affiliate unions and progressive allies to remain on high alert and prepare for what it described as decisive action against policies considered detrimental to workers and the wider population.
The labour movement said the decisions followed deliberations on what it described as the worsening economic, political and survival crises confronting Nigerian workers and citizens.
“The joint meeting-in-session notes with profound alarm the deepening misery inflicted on the Nigerian working class and the broader masses by the neo-liberal policies of the federal government and its state institutions,” the communiqué stated.
It added that rising inflation, the depreciation of the naira, declining purchasing power and the increasing cost of living had placed workers under severe economic pressure.
NLC Demands New Minimum Wage
On the national minimum wage, the Congress argued that the purchasing power of workers had been significantly weakened by currency depreciation and rising prices of essential goods and services.
“The current national minimum wage has been rendered worthless by the relentless depreciation of the naira and the astronomical rise in the cost of living,” the NLC stated.
It said workers could no longer comfortably afford basic necessities, including food, shelter, healthcare, transportation and education, with their current earnings.
The Congress consequently demanded that the Federal Government commence negotiations for a new national minimum wage before the end of October.
“The Congress demands a living wage that reflects the true cost of living and the dignity of the Nigerian worker. Any further delay by the federal government remains unacceptable,” it added.
Labour Seeks Reduction in Petrol Price
The NLC also renewed its call for an immediate reduction in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol.
According to the Congress, the high cost of petrol has had a cascading effect on transportation, food prices and other essential commodities, worsening the financial difficulties faced by workers and households.
“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 read.
The labour body asked the government to bring petrol prices nationwide down to the level prevailing when the current national minimum wage was signed into law in 2024.
It further demanded tax relief for workers and the immediate introduction 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 Congress said.
Four Key Demands
Beyond petrol price reduction and minimum wage renegotiation, the NLC outlined additional demands it expects the Federal Government to address within the two-week period.
They include:
– Reducing petrol prices nationwide to their 2024 level when the current minimum wage law was enacted.
– Commencing negotiations for a new national minimum wage.
– Implementing the Terms of Settlement reached with the Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Healthcare Professionals (JOHESU) on February 5, 2026, alongside other outstanding demands.
– Implementing the demands of the Joint Public Sector Negotiating Council (JPSNC).
The Congress warned that failure to address the demands within the stipulated timeframe would leave it with no option but to consider further action.
“Failure of which the NLC will be compelled to take remedial steps as would be directed by the relevant Organs,” the communiqué stated.
The labour movement reaffirmed its commitment to resisting what it described as exploitation, oppression and anti-people policies, urging its affiliates and allies to remain prepared for further directives.
The ultimatum sets the stage for a potential confrontation between organised labour and the Federal Government over fuel pricing, workers’ earnings and the broader cost-of-living crisis.
