The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a two-week ultimatum to the Federal Government to reduce the price of petrol, commence renegotiation of the national minimum wage, and implement outstanding agreements with workers. This decision was made during a joint meeting of the National Executive Council and Central Working Committee of the NLC held in Abuja. The ultimatum, which begins on October 9, 2026, warns that failure to meet these demands will lead to further action by the Congress.
The NLC specifically demands that the government reduce the price of Premium Motor Spirit to its 2024 level, when the current national minimum wage was signed into law. The union also calls for immediate commencement of negotiations for a new minimum wage, implementation of the February 5, 2026, Terms of Settlement with the Joint Health Sector Unions, and action on the demands of the Joint Public Sector Negotiating Council. These demands aim to cushion the impact of rising living costs.
The NLC highlights that the current national minimum wage of N70,000 has been eroded by the depreciation of the naira and rising living costs, making it impossible for workers to meet basic needs. The union links the erosion of workers' purchasing power to the high cost of petrol, which drives up transportation costs and prices of essential goods. The exorbitant pump price of petrol has had a cascading effect on the cost of living.
The labour body demands tax relief and immediate wage awards for workers to alleviate their suffering. The NLC stresses that Nigerian workers must remain resolute, organised, and uncompromising in their struggle for improved living conditions. The Congress also directs its affiliates and allies to remain prepared for further action if the government fails to meet its demands within the two-week period.
This ultimatum escalates the labour movement's pressure on the Federal Government, following a three-day warning strike by public-sector workers in October over rising living costs, petrol prices, wage awards, and minimum wage negotiations. The NLC had previously raised concerns over the declining purchasing power of workers, with President Joe Ajaero arguing that the N70,000 minimum wage had been overtaken by increases in food, transportation, housing, education, and other essential expenses.
In response to petrol-price pressures, the Federal Government has announced fresh measures, including negotiations for a ceiling of N1,350 per litre on the ex-gantry or landing cost of petrol, with monthly reviews. The government also announced a 30-day discount on petrol dispensed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, with priority given to public transporters. However, the NLC seeks a more substantial reduction in petrol prices.
The NLC's latest demand comes amid fresh labour tensions in Abuja, where the FCT Council of the NLC commenced an indefinite strike over disputes with the FCT Administration concerning teachers' promotion policies. The development puts renewed pressure on the Federal Government to address wage and fuel-price concerns as both sides grapple with disagreements over the implementation of previous labour agreements and measures to cushion the impact of economic reforms.
Key points
- The Nigeria Labour Congress issues a two-week ultimatum to the Federal Government to address rising living costs and petrol prices.
- The NLC demands a reduction in petrol prices to 2024 levels and commencement of negotiations for a new minimum wage.
- Failure to meet the demands will lead to further action by the Congress.
