By George Ozalla
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has given the Federal Government two weeks, beginning October 9, to reduce petrol prices, commence negotiations for a new national minimum wage and implement outstanding agreements with workers, warning that failure to meet its demands could lead to further action.
The ultimatum followed a joint meeting of the Congress’s National Executive Council (NEC) and Central Working Committee (CWC) at the Olaitan Oyerinde Hall, Labour House, Abuja, where members considered the worsening cost of living and the economic difficulties facing Nigerian workers.
In a communiqué signed by NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, the Congress said rising prices had continued to erode workers’ earnings and reduce their ability to afford basic necessities, including food, housing, healthcare, transportation and education.
It called on the Federal Government to begin negotiations for a new national minimum wage before the end of October, arguing that the current wage had lost purchasing power amid rising costs of goods and services.
The NLC also demanded an immediate reduction in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), or petrol, to the level prevailing when the current national minimum wage was signed into law in 2024. It blamed high petrol prices for increased transportation fares, food prices and other household expenses, which have placed additional pressure on workers and low-income earners.
Beyond wages and petrol prices, the Congress demanded the implementation of outstanding agreements affecting public-sector workers, including 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 resolution of outstanding issues relating to the agreement, implementation of pending demands of the Joint Public Sector Negotiating Council (JPSNC), payment of outstanding wage awards and implementation of previously agreed tax relief measures for workers.
The labour centre insisted that agreements reached with organised labour must be honoured, warning that delays in fulfilling them had added to workers’ grievances at a time when many households were struggling to cope with rising living costs.
The Congress directed its affiliates and progressive allies to remain on alert and prepare for further action if the government failed to meet its demands within the two-week period. Although it did not announce a strike date, its warning leaves open the possibility of industrial action after the deadline.
The ultimatum expires on October 23, 2026, putting pressure on the Federal Government to address the demands before then.
