NLC Gives FG Two Weeks to Cut Petrol Price, Renegotiate Minimum Wage

By Atlantic Reports

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has given the Federal Government a two-week ultimatum to take measures to reduce petrol prices and commence the renegotiation of the national minimum wage.

The ultimatum was contained in a communiqué signed by NLC President, Mr Joe Ajaero, after a joint meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) and Central Working Committee (CWC) in Abuja on Thursday.

The deadline begins on Friday, October 9, 2026.

The NLC said the meeting considered the state of the nation, economic hardship, the rising cost of living and what it described as serious threats facing workers and the wider population.

Labour Demands Petrol Price Reduction

The NLC called on the Federal Government to take immediate measures to reduce the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, across the country.

The union said high petrol prices had contributed to increases in transportation fares, food prices and the cost of other essential goods, placing additional pressure on workers and households.

It specifically demanded that petrol prices be reduced to the level prevailing when the current national minimum wage was signed into law in 2024.

Minimum Wage Renegotiation

Ajaero said the purchasing power of workers had been significantly eroded by the depreciation of the naira and rising living costs.

He said the current minimum wage no longer enabled many workers to meet basic needs, including food, shelter, healthcare, transportation and education.

The NLC is demanding that the Federal Government commence the process of renegotiating a new national minimum wage before the end of October.

The union said the objective should be to establish a living wage that reflects prevailing economic conditions.

Demands on Health and Public Sector Agreements

The NLC also demanded implementation of the Terms of Settlement reached with the Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Healthcare Professionals (JOHESU) on February 5, 2026.

It further called for implementation of outstanding demands of the Joint Public Sector Negotiating Council (JPSNC).

The union also demanded the implementation of agreed tax relief measures and immediate payment of wage awards to workers as a way of cushioning the impact of rising living costs.

Two-Week Deadline

In its resolution, the NLC said the Federal Government had two weeks from October 9 to address its demands.

The union warned that failure to meet the demands within the stipulated period would compel it to take further action as directed by its relevant organs.

The NLC also urged its affiliates and allies to remain organised and prepared to respond should the government fail to act within the deadline.

The latest ultimatum adds to continuing disagreements between organised labour and the Federal Government over wages, living costs and measures intended to cushion the effects of higher energy and consumer prices.

For workers and households, the immediate issues remain the purchasing power of wages, the cost of transportation and the wider impact of petrol prices on essential goods and services.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.