The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a two-week ultimatum to the Federal Government to reduce petrol prices, commence negotiations for a new national minimum wage and implement outstanding agreements with organised labour.
The ultimatum, which takes effect on Friday, October 9, 2026, followed a joint meeting of the NLC’s National Executive Council (NEC) and Central Working Committee (CWC) in Abuja. The union warned that failure to meet its demands could trigger further action by the labour movement.
NLC Demands Petrol Price Reduction
The labour union is demanding that the government take immediate steps to reduce petrol prices nationwide to the level prevailing when the current national minimum wage was signed into law in 2024.
According to the NLC, rising petrol prices have continued to push up transportation costs, food prices and the cost of essential goods and services, worsening the financial pressure on Nigerian workers and households.
The union also argued that the existing minimum wage has lost much of its purchasing power due to the depreciation of the naira and persistent increases in the cost of living.
Fresh Minimum Wage Negotiations
The NLC is asking the Federal Government to commence negotiations for a new national minimum wage before the end of October.
The current ₦70,000 minimum wage, approved in 2024, has come under renewed scrutiny as workers struggle to meet basic expenses, including food, housing, healthcare, transportation and education.
The Congress also demanded tax relief for workers and the immediate payment of wage awards intended to cushion the impact of rising living costs.
In addition, it called for the implementation of the February 5, 2026, agreement with the Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Healthcare Professionals (JOHESU), alongside outstanding demands of the Joint Public Sector Negotiating Council (JPSNC).
Government Under Pressure as Hardship Persists
The ultimatum comes amid mounting concerns over the cost of living and the impact of rising fuel prices on households and businesses.
The Federal Government recently announced a 30-day petrol discount through the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), with priority given to public transport operators. It has also outlined other measures aimed at easing fuel-related costs.
However, the NLC’s latest demands indicate that the temporary discount has not resolved the broader concerns surrounding workers’ earnings, petrol prices and outstanding labour agreements. The Congress is seeking measures that go beyond temporary relief to address the immediate financial pressures confronting workers.
Possible Labour Action Looms
The NLC warned that failure by the government to address its demands within the two-week period would compel it to take further steps as directed by its relevant organs.
Although the Congress has not announced a specific date or form of nationwide industrial action, it has directed its affiliates and allies to remain on high alert.
The ultimatum places renewed pressure on the government to engage organised labour and demonstrate measurable progress before the deadline expires.
For millions of Nigerian workers, the outcome could have significant implications for take-home pay, transportation expenses and the affordability of essential goods and services.
Whether the government can reach an agreement with labour within the stipulated period remains to be seen.
