The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed support for civil servants' demands for a new national minimum wage of ₦500,000 and a reduction in petrol price to ₦500 per litre. This move aims to provide relief to workers struggling with rising living costs. The demand was made by Olowoyo Gbenga, National Secretary of the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC), Trade Union Side, in a letter to President Bola Tinubu. The NLC has called on the Federal Government to constitute a committee to negotiate a new national minimum wage ahead of January 2027.
The labour council described the proposed ₦500,000 minimum wage as realistic, citing the continued increase in essential goods and services that has weakened workers' purchasing power. They also raised concerns over the rising price of petrol, which has reached ₦1,430 per litre in some parts of the country. The increase in fuel prices has driven up transportation expenses and food production costs, worsening the cost-of-living crisis. The JNPSNC represents several public-sector unions, including the Nigerian Civil Service Union and the Medical and Health Workers Union.
The JNPSNC has given the Federal Government until September 30, 2026, to address its demands, warning that worsening economic hardship is creating tension among workers. The council criticised temporary food-distribution programmes and other palliatives, arguing that they are not sustainable and do not reach the majority of Nigerians. Instead, they called for measures that can provide broader economic relief, particularly through a reduction in petrol costs. Making petrol available at ₦500 per litre would reduce transportation costs and expenses associated with food production.
The labour unions believe that improved remuneration for workers and greater stability in fuel prices are necessary to restore purchasing power and improve productivity. Addressing these demands would also contribute to maintaining industrial peace amid growing concerns over economic conditions facing workers. The council has urged the Federal Government to engage with organised labour on the proposed new minimum wage and take steps to reduce petrol prices.
The NLC's support for the civil servants' demands comes as workers seek relief from rising living costs. The unions argue that the current minimum wage is not sufficient to cater to the needs of workers, and a new wage is necessary to reflect the current economic reality. The demand for a new minimum wage and reduced petrol price is seen as a way to ease the pressure on households and businesses.
The JNPSNC's letter to President Tinubu highlights the urgent need for the Federal Government to address the demands of workers. The council has warned that failure to address these demands could lead to further unrest and tension among workers. The NLC's support for the demands is seen as a significant development in the ongoing negotiations between labour and the Federal Government.
The outcome of the negotiations between the Federal Government and labour is expected to have a significant impact on the lives of Nigerian workers. A new minimum wage and reduced petrol price could provide relief to workers struggling with rising living costs. However, the Federal Government's response to the demands remains to be seen.
Key points
- The Nigeria Labour Congress supports civil servants' demands for a new national minimum wage of ₦500,000 and a reduction in petrol price to ₦500 per litre.
