The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued the Federal Government a two-week ultimatum to reduce the pump price of petrol and commence the renegotiation of the national minimum wage. The organised labour warned that a failure to meet its demands within the stipulated period will trigger decisive industrial action nationwide.
The resolution was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of a joint meeting of the NLC National Executive Council and the Central Working Committee held at Labour House in Abuja. The 14-day ultimatum takes effect from Friday, October 9, 2026, with the union directing all affiliates and progressive allies to remain on high alert for mobilization.
The NLC President, Joe Ajaero, in a communiqué lamented about the severe economic realities confronting citizens:
“The joint meeting-in-session notes with profound alarm the deepening misery inflicted on the Nigerian working class and the broader masses by the neo-liberal policies of the federal government and its state institutions. Inflation continues to soar unabated, the naira remains traumatised, wages have been rendered worthless, and the cost of living has become unbearable.”
The Congress argued that the current minimum wage has been completely eroded by the relentless depreciation of the naira. It demanded that the government reverse the price of petrol to its 2024 level, stressing that the soaring cost of fuel has triggered a cascading effect on transportation, food, and other essential goods.
The NLC demanded for an immediate tax reliefs to cushion the economic shock. It also called for the full implementation of outstanding agreements reached with the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and the Joint Public Sector Negotiating Council.
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