The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a two-week ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding urgent measures to alleviate economic hardship. The ultimatum, which begins on October 9, 2026, was issued after a joint meeting of the NLC National Executive Council and Central Working Committee. The NLC cited inflation, naira depreciation, and rising living costs as key concerns. The union's leadership reviewed the economic difficulties confronting Nigerian workers and the wider population.
The NLC expressed concern over the impact of neo-liberal policies on the Nigerian working class and broader masses. Inflation continues to rise, the naira remains weak, wages have lost value, and the cost of living is unbearable. The union demands that the government take action to address these issues. The NLC's President, Joe Ajaero, signed the communiqué outlining the union's demands. The meeting was held at Labour House in Abuja.
A key demand of the NLC is the renegotiation of the national minimum wage. The current wage has lost significant value due to naira depreciation and rising living costs. Workers can no longer afford basic necessities like food, shelter, healthcare, transportation, and education. The NLC wants the government to establish a living wage that reflects the current cost of living and protects workers' dignity. The union expects the government to commence renegotiation before the end of October.
The NLC also demands a reduction in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol). The high cost of petrol has increased transportation expenses and contributed to higher prices of food and essential commodities. The union urges the government to work with relevant agencies to reduce the pump price of petrol to its 2024 level. This measure is necessary to alleviate the impact of the energy crisis on workers and other Nigerians.
In addition to wage and petrol price issues, the NLC demands tax relief for workers and the immediate payment of wage awards. The union wants to cushion the impact of the rising cost of living on workers. The NLC also wants the government to implement agreements reached with other labour unions, including the Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Healthcare Professionals. Several other outstanding labour issues are included in the NLC's ultimatum.
The NLC warns that failure to address these issues will lead to "remedial steps" as directed by its relevant organs. The union has directed its affiliates and progressive allies to remain on high alert and prepare for decisive action. The ultimatum comes amid an ongoing industrial dispute in the Federal Capital Territory. The NLC FCT Council commenced an indefinite strike on October 7, 2026, over unresolved issues involving teachers' promotion and career progression.
The FCT dispute centres on the use of available vacancies as a condition for teachers to advance to higher positions. The NLC argues that teachers employed to teach under the FCT Universal Basic Education Board and FCT Secondary Education Board should not be subjected to a promotion system designed for core civil servants. The union demands that eligible teachers be allowed to sit for the 2025 promotion examination and that redeployment and demotion letters be reversed.
Key points
- The NLC has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government over economic hardship.
- The union demands action on petrol price, minimum wage, and tax relief for workers.
- The ultimatum comes amid an ongoing industrial dispute in the Federal Capital Territory.
