The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has given the Federal Government a two-week ultimatum to reduce petrol prices and commence renegotiation of the national minimum wage, warning that it may take action if its demands are not met.
The ultimatum was contained in a communiqué signed by NLC President, Joe Ajaero, following a joint meeting of the union’s National Executive Council and Central Working Committee in Abuja on Thursday.
The meeting reviewed Nigeria’s economic situation, the rising cost of living and the growing hardship confronting workers and other citizens.
According to the communiqué, the two-week deadline begins on Friday, October 9, 2026, with the government expected to take concrete steps towards reducing petrol prices nationwide and initiating negotiations for a new minimum wage.
Ajaero warned that failure to address the demands within the stipulated period would compel the labour movement to take appropriate action, as directed by its relevant organs.
The NLC president argued that the current national minimum wage had been eroded by the depreciation of the naira and persistent increases in the cost of goods and services, leaving many workers struggling to meet their basic needs.
He called on the Federal Government to begin the renegotiation of the minimum wage before the end of October, stressing the need for wages that reflect prevailing economic realities.
The union also demanded an immediate reduction in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, to ease the financial pressure on workers and the wider population.
Ajaero noted that high petrol prices had contributed to increases in transportation fares, food prices and the cost of essential commodities, worsening the economic difficulties faced by households.
He urged the government to reduce petrol prices to the level they were at when the current national minimum wage was signed into law in 2024.
Beyond wages and fuel prices, the NLC 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.
The union also demanded the fulfilment of outstanding commitments to the Joint Public Sector Negotiating Council, the implementation of agreed tax relief measures and the immediate payment of outstanding wage awards to workers.
According to the communiqué, these measures are necessary to cushion the effects of rising living costs and improve workers’ welfare.
Ajaero urged workers and affiliate unions to remain united and prepared to respond if the government failed to meet the demands before the deadline expires.
The NLC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting workers’ rights and welfare, calling on its affiliates and other progressive groups to remain vigilant as the two-week deadline approaches.
