By Michael Oche
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has given the Federal Government a two-week ultimatum to reduce the price of petrol and commence the renegotiation of the national minimum wage, amid growing concerns over the rising cost of living.
The ultimatum, which takes effect from today, was issued at the end of a joint meeting of the NLC National Executive Council (NEC) and Central Working Committee (CWC) held at Labour House, Abuja.
The labour centre said the government must, within the two-week period, take measures to reduce the pump price of petrol to the level it was when the current national minimum wage was signed into law in 2024.
It also demanded the immediate commencement of negotiations for a new national minimum wage, saying the current wage had been eroded by the depreciation of the naira and rising cost of living.
In a communiqué signed by NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, the workers organisation said Nigerian workers could no longer afford basic necessities, including food, shelter, healthcare, transportation and education, on their current wages.
“The joint meeting issues a two-week ultimatum to the federal government, beginning from Friday, Oct. 9, 2026.
“Within this period, government is expected to take measures to reduce the price of petrol across the nation and commence the process of renegotiating a new national minimum wage.
“Failure of which the NLC will be compelled to take remedial steps as would be directed by the relevant organs,” Ajaero said.
The Congress also demanded the immediate implementation of wage awards for workers and tax reliefs previously agreed with the government.
It said the high cost of petrol had contributed significantly to rising transportation and food costs, worsening the economic difficulties faced by workers and other Nigerians.
The NLC further asked 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, as well as address new demands that had emerged since then.
It also demanded the implementation of the outstanding demands of the Joint Public Sector Negotiating Council (JPSNC).
The labour centre warned that failure by the government to meet the demands within the two-week period would compel it to take what it described as “remedial steps” as directed by its relevant organs.
The NLC said the current national minimum wage had become inadequate because of the continuous depreciation of the naira and the increase in the cost of essential goods and services.
It therefore called for a living wage that would reflect the prevailing cost of living and guarantee what it described as the dignity of Nigerian workers.
The Congress also accused the government of pursuing policies that had transferred the burden of economic difficulties to workers and the wider population.
It said its NEC had reaffirmed the responsibility of the labour movement to resist exploitation and oppression, urging its affiliates and allies to remain prepared for further action over policies affecting workers and the masses.
