The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has given the Federal Government until late October to address demands for a reduction in petrol prices and the renegotiation of the national minimum wage, warning that workers could take further action if the issues remain unresolved.
The ultimatum followed a joint meeting of the NLC’s National Executive Council and Central Working Committee at Labour House in Abuja.
A communiqué signed by NLC President, Joe Ajaero, said the two-week window would commence on Friday, October 9, 2026.
The labour organisation also instructed its affiliates and progressive allies to remain prepared for what it called “decisive efforts” against government policies it believes are worsening the conditions of workers and other Nigerians.
The NLC said its resolutions were driven by concerns over the country’s economic situation and the growing difficulty faced by workers in meeting their basic needs.
“The joint meeting-in-session notes with profound alarm the deepening misery inflicted on the Nigerian working class and the broader masses by the neo-liberal policies of the federal government and its state institutions,” the communiqué said.
It said the pressure on households had continued to intensify, adding that “inflation continues to soar unabated, the naira remains traumatised, wages have been rendered worthless, and the cost of living has become unbearable.”
Labour seeks new wage negotiations
The Congress argued that the current minimum wage no longer provides workers with sufficient purchasing power because of the depreciation of the naira and rising prices.
“The current national minimum wage has been rendered worthless by the relentless depreciation of the naira and the astronomical rise in the cost of living,” the Congress said.
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It said workers were struggling to afford essential needs, including “food, shelter, healthcare, transportation, and education”, with their existing earnings.
The NLC consequently asked the Federal Government to open negotiations for a new national minimum wage before the end of October.
“The Congress demands a living wage that reflects the true cost of living and the dignity of the Nigerian worker. Any further delay by the federal government remains unacceptable,” it said.
Petrol prices were also central to the labour body’s demands. The NLC maintained that the cost of fuel was aggravating the financial burden on households by pushing up transportation costs and the prices of food and other necessities.
“The joint meeting reiterates its call on the federal government to work with relevant agencies to immediately reduce the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol,” the communiqué said.
The Congress wants the pump price reduced to the level that prevailed when the current minimum wage became law in 2024.
It further requested tax relief for workers and immediate wage awards to help ease the impact of rising living costs.
“These measures are the bare minimum required to alleviate the suffering of Nigerian workers and restore a measure of dignity to their lives,” the NLC said.
Other labour demands
Beyond fuel and wages, the Congress demanded implementation of the February 5, 2026 Terms of Settlement reached with the Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Healthcare Professionals, alongside other outstanding issues.
It also called for the implementation of demands presented by the Joint Public Sector Negotiating Council.
The NLC said the Federal Government had two weeks from October 9 to respond to the demands, after which the labour movement could escalate its position.
“Failure of which the NLC will be compelled to take remedial steps as would be directed by the relevant Organs,” the communiqué said.
The Congress also reaffirmed its “historical responsibility” to resist exploitation and oppression, directing its affiliates and allies to remain ready to respond to policies it considers detrimental to workers and the wider Nigerian population.