The Nigeria Labour Congress has issued a two-week ultimatum to the Federal Government to reduce petrol prices, renegotiate the national minimum wage, and resolve outstanding agreements with workers. The deadline, which began on Friday, October 9, 2026, was issued at a joint meeting of the NLC's National Executive Council and Central Working Committee held in Abuja. The labour centre expressed concern over the deepening hardship experienced by workers and the wider population due to the government's economic policies.
The NLC cited rising inflation, the naira's depreciation, and the loss of purchasing power for workers' wages as major concerns. The union argued that the current national minimum wage of N70,000, approximately $50 per month, has become inadequate due to rising living costs. The labour centre wants the government to commence renegotiating the national minimum wage before the end of October. President Bola Tinubu's economic reforms have not translated into better living conditions, with GDP per capita continuing to decline.
A key demand of the NLC is an immediate reduction in petrol prices nationwide to levels prevailing when the current national minimum wage was signed in 2024. Petrol prices have surged to about N1,330 per litre in major cities and higher in remote areas, further pressuring household budgets. The labour centre linked high petrol costs to increased transportation, food, and essential goods prices, intensifying financial pressure on households. The NLC accused government policies of allowing high prices to persist, enriching a few oil marketers while worsening hardship for the population.
The NLC is also demanding tax relief for workers, as agreed with the government, and immediate payment of wage awards to cushion the impact of rising living expenses. The union argued that the government cannot continue to demand sacrifices from workers while failing to provide relief from economic pressures. The labour centre stressed that these measures are essential to alleviate workers' suffering and restore dignity to their lives.
The NLC included the implementation of a previous agreement with health-sector unions among its conditions. The union demanded the implementation of the Terms of Settlement reached with the Joint Health Sector Unions and the Assembly of Healthcare Professionals on February 5, 2026. The NLC also wants the Federal Government to implement the demands of the Joint Public Sector Negotiating Council.
Failure to comply with the NLC's demands within two weeks will prompt the union to take remedial steps as directed by its relevant organs. The warning puts the government under pressure to respond to labour demands covering fuel prices, wages, taxation, and outstanding agreements with public-sector and health-sector workers. The NLC called on its affiliates and progressive allies to remain on high alert and prepared to participate in efforts against policies considered harmful to workers and the population.
The NLC reaffirmed its historical responsibility to resist exploitation and oppression, urging Nigerian workers to remain resolute, organised, and uncompromising in pursuing a fair and equitable Nigeria. The labour centre's ultimatum highlights the growing tension between the government and workers over economic policies and their impact on living conditions. The government's response to the NLC's demands will be crucial in determining the next steps in the labour-government relations.
Key points
- The Nigeria Labour Congress has given the Federal Government two weeks to reduce petrol prices and renegotiate the national minimum wage.
- The NLC cited rising inflation, the naira's depreciation, and the loss of purchasing power for workers' wages as major concerns.
- Failure to comply with the NLC's demands will prompt the union to take remedial steps as directed by its relevant organs.
