The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a two-week ultimatum to the Federal Government to reduce petrol prices, begin negotiations for a new national minimum wage and address outstanding demands from public-sector and health workers.
The ultimatum begins on Friday, October 9, 2026, according to a communiqué issued after a joint meeting of the Congress’s National Executive Council (NEC) and Central Working Committee (CWC) in Abuja.
The meeting took place on October 7 at the Olaitan Oyerinde Hall, Labour House. The communiqué was signed by NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero.
The Congress warned that failure to meet its demands would compel it to take further steps as directed by its relevant organs.
NLC demands petrol prices return to 2024 levels
The NLC called on the government to take measures to bring petrol prices back to the level prevailing when the current national minimum wage was signed in 2024.
It argued that high fuel prices had driven up transportation costs and the prices of food and other essential goods, placing additional pressure on workers and their families.
The Congress did not specify a single pump price in the communiqué. Its demand was for a nationwide reduction tied to the price at the time the wage agreement was signed.
Concerns about household purchasing power have also featured in The Bureau Journal’s reporting on inflation and food prices in Kogi State and its review of Nigeria’s food-price and inflation data.
Congress seeks fresh minimum wage negotiations
The NLC said depreciation of the naira and rising living costs had severely weakened the purchasing power of the current minimum wage.
It maintained that workers were struggling to afford food, housing, healthcare, transportation and education, and demanded a living wage that reflected those 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 stated.
The Congress also included the commencement of wage negotiations among the actions required within its two-week ultimatum.
Workers’ welfare remains a concern at state level, with a Kogi civil servant recently appealing for outstanding allowances, promotion benefits and affordable housing.
Tax relief, wage awards and health-sector settlement
The Congress further demanded tax relief for workers, which it said had been agreed, and the immediate provision of wage awards to cushion the cost of living.
It described both measures as essential relief for workers whose earnings could no longer adequately meet household needs.
The NLC also called for implementation of the Terms of Settlement reached with the Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Healthcare Professionals (JOHESU) on February 5, 2026, alongside additional demands raised since that agreement.
It separately demanded implementation of the demands of the Joint Public Sector Negotiating Council (JPSNC).
At state level, debates over wages and entitlements have included the Kebbi NLC’s position on primary school teachers’ salaries and allowances.
NLC puts affiliates on alert
The Congress criticised the Federal Government’s economic policies, arguing that workers and low-income households were bearing an excessive share of their consequences.
Its position adds to the debate surrounding President Bola Tinubu’s defence of his administration’s economic reforms.
The NLC called on its affiliates and allies to remain alert and prepared for further action.
However, the communiqué did not announce a strike date or specify the form any subsequent action would take. It said those decisions would be directed by the Congress’s relevant organs if the government failed to respond.
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