The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has given the Federal Government 14 days to take action on the rising cost of petrol and begin negotiations for a new national minimum wage, warning that failure to respond could lead to further action by organised labour.
The ultimatum was issued after a joint meeting of the NLC’s National Executive Council (NEC) and Central Working Committee (CWC) held at Labour House in Abuja.
In a communiqué signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero, the labour union said the two-week deadline would commence on Friday, October 9, 2026.
The Congress also directed its affiliates and progressive allies to remain on alert and prepare for what it described as “decisive efforts” against government policies it believes are worsening the economic hardship faced by workers and other Nigerians.
According to the labour body, the meeting reviewed what it described as the worsening economic, political and survival challenges confronting the country.
The communiqué stated that “inflation continues to soar unabated, the naira remains traumatised, wages have been rendered worthless, and the cost of living has become unbearable.”
NLC Demands New Minimum Wage Talks
The NLC said the purchasing power of Nigerian workers has been severely weakened by the depreciation of the naira and the rising cost of living.
“The current national minimum wage has been rendered worthless by the relentless depreciation of the naira and the astronomical rise in the cost of living,” the Congress said.
It argued that workers are increasingly struggling to afford essential needs such as “food, shelter, healthcare, transportation, and education” with their current earnings.
The labour body therefore demanded that the Federal Government begin negotiations for a new national minimum wage before the end of October.
“The Congress demands a living wage that reflects the true cost of living and the dignity of the Nigerian worker. Any further delay by the federal government remains unacceptable,” it said.
Labour Wants Petrol Price Reduced
The NLC also renewed its call for an immediate reduction in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol.
“The joint meeting reiterates its call on the federal government to work with relevant agencies to immediately reduce the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol,” the communiqué said.
The Congress said expensive petrol has created a “cascading effect” on transportation, food prices and other essential goods, thereby increasing the financial pressure on workers and households.
It wants the government to bring petrol prices nationwide down to the level they were when the current national minimum wage was signed into law in 2024.
The NLC also demanded tax relief for workers and immediate wage awards to help cushion the impact of rising living costs.
“These measures are the bare minimum required to alleviate the suffering of Nigerian workers and restore a measure of dignity to their lives,” the Congress said.
Two-Week Deadline
The labour union said the Federal Government has until two weeks after October 9 to begin addressing its demands.
Among other things, the NLC wants the government to reduce petrol prices to their 2024 level, commence negotiations for a new minimum wage, implement the February 5, 2026 Terms of Settlement reached with the Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Healthcare Professionals (JOHESU), and address outstanding demands of the Joint Public Sector Negotiating Council (JPSNC).
The Congress warned that failure to meet the demands within the stipulated period could trigger further action.
“Failure of which the NLC will be compelled to take remedial steps as would be directed by the relevant Organs,” the communiqué said.
The NLC also reaffirmed its “historical responsibility” to oppose what it considers exploitation and oppression, while calling on its affiliates and allies to remain ready to respond to policies it describes as anti-people.
Source: NLC communiqué
