NLC Gives FG Two-Week Ultimatum Over Petrol Price, Minimum Wage

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued the Federal Government a two-week ultimatum to reduce the price of petrol and commence negotiations for a new national minimum wage.

The ultimatum takes effect from Friday, October 9, 2026, with the labour centre warning that it may take further action if the government fails to address its demands within the stipulated period.

The position was contained in a communiqué issued after a joint meeting of the NLC’s National Executive Council (NEC) and Central Working Committee (CWC) in Abuja and signed by NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero.

The NLC demanded that the Federal Government reduce the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, to the level it was when the current national minimum wage was signed into law in 2024.

According to the Congress, the high cost of petrol has triggered increases in transportation fares, food prices and other essential commodities, thereby worsening the economic difficulties faced by workers and other Nigerians.

The labour union also demanded that the government commence the renegotiation of the national minimum wage before the end of October.

It argued that the current minimum wage had been significantly eroded by the depreciation of the naira and rising inflation, leaving many workers struggling to afford basic necessities such as food, housing, healthcare, transportation and education.

The NLC said it was seeking a living wage that would reflect prevailing economic realities and restore the purchasing power and dignity of Nigerian workers.

Beyond petrol prices and wages, the Congress demanded the full implementation of the terms of settlement reached with the Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Healthcare Professionals (JOHESU) on February 5, 2026.

It also called for the implementation of outstanding demands of the Joint Public Sector Negotiating Council (JPSNC), tax relief for workers and the immediate payment of wage awards to cushion the impact of rising living costs.

The NLC warned that failure by the Federal Government to meet its demands within the two-week deadline would compel the union to take further action as directed by its relevant organs.

The Congress subsequently urged its affiliate unions and progressive allies to remain on high alert and prepared for what it described as decisive action against policies it considers detrimental to workers and the wider Nigerian population.

The development comes amid renewed concerns over the impact of high energy costs and inflation on households. On Thursday, the Federal Government also announced a proposal to cap petrol prices at about ₦1,350 per litre as part of measures to cushion consumers against fluctuations in international oil prices.