The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued the Federal Government a two-week ultimatum to begin negotiations for a new national minimum wage and take immediate measures to reduce the price of petrol.
The ultimatum takes effect from Thursday, October 9, 2026, following a joint meeting of the NLC’s National Executive Council (NEC) and Central Working Committee (CWC) in Abuja.
NLC President Joe Ajaero, who signed the communiqué issued after the meeting, said the current national minimum wage had lost significant purchasing power amid the depreciation of the naira and rising cost of living.
Labour directed the Federal Government to commence renegotiation of the minimum wage before the end of October, insisting that workers could no longer cope with the increasing cost of basic necessities.
According to the Congress, workers require a “living wage that reflects the true cost of living and the dignity of the Nigerian worker,” and any further delay in opening negotiations would be unacceptable.
The NLC also demanded an immediate reduction in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, to the level prevailing when the current national minimum wage was signed into law in 2024.
It accused the government of allowing “indiscriminate hikes” in petroleum prices, arguing that the increases had triggered a chain reaction across the economy.
The Congress said high petrol prices had pushed up transportation costs and contributed to increases in the prices of food and other essential commodities, further worsening the financial pressure on workers and low-income households.
Beyond minimum wage and petrol prices, labour demanded immediate tax relief for workers and the payment of wage awards as measures to cushion the impact of rising living costs.
NLC also gave the government two weeks to implement the terms of settlement reached with the Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Healthcare Professionals (JOHESU) on February 5, 2026, while also addressing new demands arising from the agreement.
It further demanded the implementation of outstanding demands of the Joint Public Sector Negotiating Council (JPSNC).
The labour centre warned that failure to meet its demands within the stipulated period would leave it with no option but to take “remedial steps” as directed by its relevant organs.
NLC said its latest position was driven by what it described as an “existential crisis” arising from deteriorating economic conditions confronting workers and the wider Nigerian population.
The Congress accused the government of pursuing policies that had shifted the burden of economic difficulties to workers and other vulnerable Nigerians, while wages continued to lose value.
It consequently directed its affiliates and progressive allies to remain on high alert and prepare for decisive action against policies it considers inimical to workers and the masses.
