Follow Us on Google
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued the Federal Government a two-week ultimatum to reduce the price of petrol, commence the renegotiation of the national minimum wage and address other outstanding demands affecting Nigerian workers.
The ultimatum, which begins on Friday, October 9, 2026, was issued at the end of a joint meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) and Central Working Committee (CWC) of the NLC held in Abuja.
The Congress, in the communique signed by its President, Joe Ajaero, said the current minimum wage had been rendered inadequate by the depreciation of the naira and rising cost of living, making it difficult for workers to meet basic needs, including food, housing, healthcare, transportation and education.
It therefore demanded that the Federal Government commence the renegotiation of the national minimum wage before the end of October, insisting on a living wage that reflects the current cost of living and dignity of Nigerian workers.
The NLC also called for an immediate reduction in the pump price of petrol to the level it was when the current national minimum wage was signed into law in 2024.
According to the labour centre, the high cost of petrol has triggered increases in transportation, food and other essential commodities, thereby worsening the economic hardship faced by workers and other Nigerians.
The Congress further demanded the implementation of tax relief for workers, as agreed with the government, as well as immediate payment of wage awards to cushion the impact of rising living costs.
It also gave the Federal 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, as well as address other demands arising from the agreement.
The NLC demanded the implementation of the demands of the Joint Public Sector Negotiating Council (JPSNC), warning that failure by the government to meet the demands within the stipulated period would compel the union to take further action.
The Congress expressed concern over what it described as worsening economic hardship among workers and the wider population.
Other News
It said workers had been left with wages that could no longer adequately meet their basic needs, urging the government to take urgent measures to ease the pressure on households.
The NLC called on its affiliates and allies to remain prepared for further action, saying the labour movement would continue to resist policies it considered detrimental to the interests of workers and the masses.
The document read in parts: “The joint meeting issues a two-week ultimatum to the federal government, beginning from Friday, the 9th day of October, 2026 within which it is expected to, among other things:
“Take measures to reduce the price of petrol across the nation to what it was at the signing of the current national minimum wage in 2024 to cushion the impact of the energy crisis on workers and masses as being done by other nations of the world;
“Commence the process of renegotiating a new national minimum wage;
“Implement the dictates of the Terms of Settlement reached with Joint Health Sector Unions & Assembly of Healthcare Professionals (JOHESU) on the 5th day of February, 2026, and other new demands that have arisen since then.
“Implement the demands of the Joint Public Sector Negotiating Council (JPSNC). Failure of which the NLC will be compelled to take remedial steps as would be directed by the relevant Organs.
“NEC-in-session reaffirms the historical responsibility of the NLC to resist all forms of exploitation and oppression. It calls on all affiliates, and progressive allies to remain on high alert and fully prepared to engage in decisive efforts against all anti-people policies. The Congress reiterates that the Nigerian working people must remain resolute, organised, and uncompromising in the collective struggle for a fair and equitable Nigeria.”
