NLC Gives FG Two-Week Ultimatum to Reduce Petrol Prices, Renegotiate

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a two-week ultimatum to the Federal Government to reduce petrol prices, commence renegotiation of the national minimum wage, and implement outstanding agreements with health and public sector workers.

The ultimatum, which takes effect from Friday, October 9, 2026, was announced in a communiqué issued after a joint meeting of the NLC’s National Executive Council (NEC) and Central Working Committee (CWC), held at Labour House in Abuja on October 7.

The Congress warned that failure by the government to meet its demands within the stipulated period would compel it to take further action, as directed by its relevant organs.

According to the communiqué signed by NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, the labour movement expressed concern over the worsening economic conditions in the country, citing rising inflation, the depreciation of the naira, declining purchasing power and the increasing cost of living.

The NLC accused the Federal Government of implementing economic policies that have intensified hardship among workers and the wider population, arguing that many Nigerians can no longer afford basic necessities, including food, housing, healthcare, transportation and education.

As part of its demands, the Congress called on the government to take immediate measures to reduce petrol prices to the level prevailing when the current national minimum wage was signed into law in 2024.

It said the high cost of petrol had contributed to rising transportation fares and the prices of food and other essential commodities, worsening the financial difficulties faced by workers and low-income households.

The labour body also demanded that the Federal Government commence negotiations for a new national minimum wage before the end of October 2026, insisting that workers’ earnings must reflect prevailing economic realities and guarantee a decent standard of living.

The NLC further called for the implementation of previously agreed tax relief for workers and the immediate payment of wage awards to cushion the effects of rising living costs.

On the health sector, the Congress demanded the implementation of the terms of settlement reached with the Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Healthcare Professionals (JOHESU) on February 5, 2026, alongside other outstanding demands.

It also urged the government to implement the demands of the Joint Public Sector Negotiating Council (JPSNC).

The communiqué stated that the joint meeting had reviewed the economic and political situation in the country, as well as what it described as threats to the survival and welfare of Nigerian workers and the broader population.

The Congress maintained that the government must take urgent steps to address workers’ grievances, warning that continued delays in meeting its demands would be unacceptable.

Reaffirming its commitment to defending workers’ rights, the NLC called on its affiliate unions and progressive allies to remain vigilant and prepared for further action against policies it considers harmful to the interests of ordinary Nigerians.

The Congress said it remained committed to the collective struggle for a fairer and more equitable Nigeria.