The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued the Federal Government a two-week ultimatum to reduce the price of petrol, commence renegotiation of the national minimum wage and implement outstanding agreements with workers.
The ultimatum, which takes effect from Friday, October 9, 2026, was contained in a communiqué issued after a joint meeting of the NLC’s National Executive Council (NEC) and Central Working Committee (CWC) held at Labour House, Abuja, on Wednesday.
The meeting, presided over by NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, reviewed the economic situation in the country and what it described as the “existential threats” confronting Nigerian workers and the masses.
The labour centre expressed concern over rising inflation, depreciation of the naira and the escalating cost of living, saying workers’ wages had been rendered inadequate to meet basic needs.
The NLC specifically demanded that the Federal Government take immediate steps to reduce the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to the level it was when the current national minimum wage was signed into law in 2024.
According to the Congress, the high cost of petrol has triggered a chain reaction in the prices of transportation, food and other essential commodities, thereby worsening the hardship faced by workers and other Nigerians.
The labour body also demanded that government commence the renegotiation of the national minimum wage before the end of October, arguing that the current wage had been eroded by the depreciation of the naira and rising living costs.
It called for a living wage that reflects the prevailing cost of living and guarantees dignity for Nigerian workers.
The NLC further demanded the implementation of tax relief for workers, as previously agreed, as well as the immediate payment of wage awards to cushion the impact of the rising cost of living.
On the health sector, the Congress asked the government to implement the terms of settlement reached with the Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Healthcare Professionals (JOHESU) on February 5, 2026, alongside other demands that have emerged since the agreement.
It also demanded the implementation of the resolutions and demands of the Joint Public Sector Negotiating Council (JPSNC).
The NLC warned that failure by the Federal Government to meet the demands within the two-week ultimatum would compel the Congress to take what it described as “remedial steps” as directed by its relevant organs.
The Congress called on its affiliates and progressive allies to remain on high alert and prepare for decisive action against what it described as anti-people policies.
It reaffirmed its commitment to resisting exploitation and oppression and urged Nigerian workers to remain organised and resolute in the struggle for improved living conditions and a more equitable society.
