The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has given the Federal Government a two-week ultimatum to address pressing concerns, including reducing the price of petrol and renegotiating the national minimum wage. This ultimatum, which began on October 9, 2026, was issued after a joint meeting of the NLC's National Executive Council and Central Working Committee in Abuja. The NLC stated that the current minimum wage has become inadequate due to the depreciation of the naira and rising living costs.
The NLC's President, Joe Ajaero, signed a communique highlighting the struggles of Nigerian workers, who are finding it difficult to meet basic needs such as food, housing, healthcare, transportation, and education. The union demanded that the Federal Government commence renegotiating the national minimum wage by the end of October, pushing for a living wage that reflects the current cost of living and dignity of Nigerian workers.
The high cost of petrol has contributed to increased transportation, food, and essential commodity prices, exacerbating economic hardship faced by workers and Nigerians. The NLC called for an immediate reduction in the pump price of petrol to its 2024 level, when the current national minimum wage was signed into law. The union also requested tax relief for workers and immediate payment of wage awards to cushion the impact of rising living costs.
The NLC urged the Federal Government to implement the Terms of Settlement reached with the Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Healthcare Professionals (JOHESU) on February 5, 2026. The union also demanded the implementation of the Joint Public Sector Negotiating Council's (JPSNC) demands, warning that failure to meet these demands within the stipulated period would lead to further action.
The NLC expressed concern over the worsening economic hardship among workers and the wider population, stating that workers' wages can no longer adequately meet their basic needs. The union called on its affiliates and allies to remain prepared for further action, resisting policies considered detrimental to workers' and the masses' interests.
The ultimatum document, signed by Joe Ajaero, outlined specific demands, including reducing petrol prices, renegotiating the national minimum wage, implementing the JOHESU agreement, and addressing JPSNC demands. The NLC reaffirmed its responsibility to resist exploitation and oppression, urging affiliates and progressive allies to remain alert and prepared for decisive efforts against anti-people policies.
The NLC emphasized that Nigerian workers must remain resolute, organized, and uncompromising in their collective struggle for a fair and equitable Nigeria. The union's demands reflect the struggles of workers and the broader population, who are seeking relief from economic hardship and improved living standards.
Key points
- NLC issues 2-week ultimatum to FG over petrol price and minimum wage
- Labour union demands reduction in petrol price to 2024 levels
- NLC pushes for renegotiation of national minimum wage to reflect current cost of living
