The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has raised concerns over a worsening survival crisis in Nigeria, citing soaring petrol, transportation, and living costs that have eroded workers' purchasing power. In an Independence Day statement, NLC President Joe Ajaero stated that Nigerian workers are facing an unprecedented squeeze due to inflation. He noted that petrol prices have become a major driver of inflation, with prices significantly higher in remote areas.
The NLC demanded an immediate reduction in petrol prices, describing it as critical to easing pressure on households and businesses. The union also questioned the utilization of savings from the 2023 petrol subsidy removal, which the government claimed would be redirected to infrastructure and social services. The NLC criticized Nigeria's reliance on imported refined petroleum products despite being Africa's largest oil producer.
The labour union demanded a nationwide wage award for federal, state, and local government workers to provide emergency relief to workers whose incomes have been weakened by inflation. The NLC also demanded the implementation of tax relief measures agreed during the October 2023 negotiations between the government and organized labour. These measures have not been implemented as agreed.
The NLC called for the immediate commencement of negotiations for a new national minimum wage for 2027, arguing that the current ₦70,000 wage has already lost significant purchasing power to inflation. The union wants the process completed and the new wage standard legislated before the end of the year. This demand comes two years after the Federal Government approved the ₦70,000 national minimum wage in 2024.
The NLC also demanded a reduction in the cost of governance and greater transparency in public expenditure, arguing that the government must lead by example during a time of rising living costs. The union called for increased investment in critical infrastructure, such as roads, and improvements in hospitals, schools, and other social services.
According to the NLC, young Nigerians should be provided with meaningful economic opportunities rather than being relegated to the streets. The union emphasized that emergency measures are required to prevent further deterioration in workers' living standards. The NLC's demands aim to address the pressing issues facing Nigerian workers and the broader economy.
The Nigeria Labour Congress's statement was signed by its President, Joe Ajaero, on September 30, 2026. The union's demands are a response to the Federal Government's handling of the economy, particularly the removal of petrol subsidies and the impact on workers' livelihoods. The NLC's concerns reflect the struggles of Nigerian workers and the need for urgent action to address the survival crisis.
Key points
- NLC demands immediate reduction in petrol prices to ease pressure on households and businesses.
- The union calls for a new national minimum wage for 2027, citing the erosion of purchasing power due to inflation.
- The NLC also demands a reduction in the cost of governance and greater transparency in public expenditure.
