NLC Gives FG Two Weeks to Begin Minimum Wage Talks, Cut Petrol Prices

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has given the Federal Government a two-week ultimatum to begin negotiations for a new national minimum wage and take urgent steps to reduce petrol prices, warning that failure to meet its demands could trigger fresh industrial action.

The ultimatum, which takes effect from October 9, was issued at a joint meeting of the Congress’s National Executive Council and Central Working Committee held in Abuja.

The labour centre demanded that negotiations for a review of the national minimum wage commence before the end of October, arguing that the current wage had lost its purchasing power amid the depreciation of the naira and rising cost of living.

The NLC also called on the Federal Government to reduce the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to the level prevailing when the current minimum wage was signed into law in 2024.

In a communiqué signed by its President, Joe Ajaero, following the meeting, the Congress said Nigerian workers could no longer cope with worsening economic conditions.

It stated that “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.”

According to the NLC, workers are increasingly struggling to afford basic necessities, including food, housing, healthcare, transportation and education.

The Congress insisted that the government must negotiate a new wage structure that reflects prevailing economic realities and protects workers’ welfare.

It demanded a “living wage that reflects the true cost of living and the dignity of the Nigerian worker,” adding that further delays in commencing negotiations would be unacceptable.

On petrol prices, the labour centre accused the government of allowing indiscriminate increases in petroleum product prices, warning that the situation had worsened the economic hardship confronting workers and low-income households.

It said the high cost of petrol had triggered a chain reaction across the economy, pushing up transportation fares, food prices and the cost of other essential goods and services.

The Congress called on the Federal Government and relevant agencies to take immediate action to bring down pump prices and ease the burden on Nigerians.

Beyond minimum wage negotiations and petrol price reductions, the NLC demanded the immediate implementation of tax relief measures for workers and the payment of outstanding wage awards to cushion the impact of rising living costs.

It also directed the government to implement, within the two-week period, the terms of settlement reached with the Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Healthcare Professionals (JOHESU) on February 5, 2026, as well as address additional demands arising from the agreement.

The Congress further called for the implementation of the demands of the Joint Public Sector Negotiating Council (JPSNC).

Warning of possible consequences for non-compliance, the NLC said failure by the government to meet its demands within the stipulated period would leave it with no option but to take what it described as “remedial steps” as directed by its relevant organs.

The labour centre said the ultimatum was prompted by worsening economic conditions affecting Nigerian workers and the wider population, which it characterised as an existential crisis.

It accused the government of pursuing policies that had shifted the burden of economic adjustment onto workers and ordinary citizens, while wages continued to lose value against rising prices.

The Congress also urged its affiliate unions and progressive allies to remain on high alert and prepare for decisive action against policies it considers harmful to workers and the masses.

The latest ultimatum comes amid renewed calls by organised labour for improved wages and measures to address the rising cost of living.

With the two-week deadline now in effect, attention will be on the Federal Government’s response to the demands and whether negotiations will begin before the end of October, as requested by the NLC.