The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has given the Federal Government a two-week ultimatum to reduce the price of petrol and commence renegotiation of the national minimum wage. The ultimatum, which takes effect from October 9, was issued by the NLC's National Executive Council and Central Working Committee. The labour centre also demanded immediate wage awards and tax relief for workers.
The NLC stated that the current economic situation had rendered workers' wages inadequate, and the government must take measures to cushion the impact of rising living costs. The Congress directed the Federal Government to reduce the pump price of petrol to its 2024 level, citing the impact of rising energy costs on workers and the general population. The exorbitant pump price of petrol has increased transportation, food, and essential goods costs.
The labour centre accused the government of pursuing policies that worsened the economic burden on Nigerians. The NLC demanded that the Federal Government begin renegotiating the national minimum wage before the end of October, as the current wage had been eroded by the depreciation of the naira and rising costs of basic necessities. The Congress argued that Nigerian workers can no longer afford basic necessities like food, shelter, and healthcare on their current wages.
The NLC demanded a living wage that reflects the true cost of living and the dignity of the Nigerian worker. The Congress also demanded that the Federal Government honour its commitment to grant tax relief to workers and introduce wage awards to cushion the effects of rising living costs. These measures are necessary to alleviate the suffering of Nigerian workers and restore dignity to their lives.
The labour centre also brought up unresolved issues in the health sector and public service, directing the government to implement the terms of settlement reached with the Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Healthcare Professionals. The NLC equally demanded implementation of the Joint Public Sector Negotiating Council's demands. Failure to meet these demands within two weeks would lead to further action from the Congress.
The NLC expressed concern that inflation, naira depreciation, and rising living costs had combined to erode workers' purchasing power, requiring urgent intervention. The Congress called on its affiliates and progressive allies to remain on high alert and prepare for decisive efforts against anti-people policies. The NLC reaffirmed its commitment to resisting exploitation and oppression.
The labour centre urged Nigerian workers to remain resolute, organised, and uncompromising in the struggle for a fair and equitable Nigeria. The NLC's position was informed by the deepening misery confronting Nigerian workers and the wider population. No society can sustainably develop under a regime of corporate plunder and neo-liberal enslavement.
Key points
- The NLC issued a two-week ultimatum to the Federal Government to reduce the price of petrol and commence renegotiation of the national minimum wage.
- The labour centre demanded immediate wage awards and tax relief for workers.
- Failure to meet the demands within two weeks would lead to further action from the Congress.
