NLC gives FG two weeks to cut petrol price, renegotiate minimum wage

NLC gives FG two weeks to cut petrol price, renegotiate minimum wage

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has given the Federal Government a two-week ultimatum to reduce the price of petrol and commence the renegotiation of the national minimum wage amid worsening economic hardship.

The ultimatum takes effect from Friday, October 9, 2026, with the NLC warning that it would be compelled to take “remedial steps” if the government fails to meet its demands within the period.

The position was contained in a communiqué signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero and issued after a joint meeting of the National Executive Council and Central Working Committee of the NLC held at the Olaitan Oyerinde Hall, Labour House, Abuja, on Wednesday.

The labour centre said the government must reduce the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit, commonly known as petrol, to the level it was when the current national minimum wage was signed into law in 2024.

It also demanded the immediate commencement of negotiations for a new minimum wage, arguing that the existing wage had been eroded by the depreciation of the naira and rising living costs.

“Consequently, NEC-in-session demands that the federal government commences the renegotiation of the national minimum wage before the end of this month,” the communiqué said.

“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.”

The NLC further called for an immediate reduction in petrol prices, saying the high cost of the commodity had driven up transportation fares, food prices and the cost of other essential goods.

“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,” it said.

According to the labour union, “The exorbitant pump price of petrol has had a cascading effect on the cost of transportation, food, and other essential goods, further deepening the hardship of workers and the masses.”

The NLC also demanded that the Federal Government honour its agreement on tax relief for workers and immediately introduce wage awards to cushion the impact of the rising cost of living.

“The joint meeting demands that the federal government grant tax relief to workers as agreed and immediately provide Wage Awards to workers to cushion the impact of the rising cost of living,” the communiqué stated.

“These measures are the bare minimum required to alleviate the suffering of Nigerian workers and restore a measure of dignity to their lives.”

Beyond petrol and minimum wage, the NLC directed the government to implement the Terms of Settlement reached with the Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Healthcare Professionals on February 5, 2026.

It also demanded the implementation of the outstanding demands of the Joint Public Sector Negotiating Council.

The labour centre said failure by the government to meet the demands within the two-week window would trigger further action.

“Failure of which the NLC will be compelled to take remedial steps as would be directed by the relevant Organs,” it warned.

The NLC said its NEC and CWC reached the resolutions after deliberating on what they described as the “grave economic, political, and crises of survival ravaging workers and the nation at large.”

The Congress expressed concern over the impact of inflation, naira depreciation and declining purchasing power on Nigerian workers and the wider population.

It said, “Inflation continues to soar unabated, the naira remains traumatised, wages have been rendered worthless, and the cost of living has become unbearable.”

The labour body also argued that workers could no longer afford basic necessities, including food, housing, healthcare, transportation and education, on their current wages.

It declared that “no society can sustainably develop under a regime of corporate plunder and neo-liberal enslavement,” while calling on Nigerian workers to remain united in their demands for improved living conditions.

The NLC further urged its affiliates and allies to remain prepared for possible action against policies it considers detrimental to workers and the wider population.

“NEC-in-session reaffirms the historical responsibility of the NLC to resist all forms of exploitation and oppression,” the communiqué said.

“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 union said.