The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a two-week ultimatum to the Federal Government to reduce petrol prices, begin negotiations for a new national minimum wage and address outstanding agreements affecting Nigerian workers.
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) in Abuja. The communiqué, signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero, stated that the deadline would commence on Friday, October 9, 2026.
The labour union called on the government to reduce petrol prices nationwide to the levels prevailing when the current national minimum wage was signed into law in 2024. It argued that rising fuel costs had increased transportation fares and the prices of food and other essential commodities, worsening the financial difficulties faced by workers and households.
The NLC also demanded that the government commence negotiations for a new national minimum wage before the end of October, arguing that the current ₦70,000 minimum wage had lost much of its purchasing power due to inflation, the depreciation of the naira and the rising cost of living.
Beyond fuel prices and minimum wage negotiations, the Congress called for the implementation of the February 5, 2026, Terms of Settlement reached with the Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Healthcare Professionals (JOHESU), as well as the outstanding demands of the Joint Public Sector Negotiating Council.
The union further demanded the implementation of previously agreed tax relief measures and the immediate payment of wage awards to cushion the impact of rising living costs on workers.
The NLC warned that failure by the Federal Government to meet its demands within the two-week period would compel it to take further action as directed by its relevant organs. It consequently urged its affiliates and allies to remain on high alert in preparation for possible industrial action.
The ultimatum comes amid renewed pressure on the Federal Government to address rising fuel prices and economic hardship, following its announcement of a 30-day petrol discount at NNPC retail stations and a proposed price-stabilisation mechanism.
