The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has given the Federal Government a two-week ultimatum to cut petrol prices, commence renegotiation of the national minimum wage, and implement outstanding agreements with health and public sector workers.
The NLC warned that failure to meet the demands would trigger industrial action across the country.
The ultimatum, which takes effect from Friday, October 9, 2026, was issued at a joint meeting of the NLC’s National Executive Council (NEC) and Central Working Committee (CWC) held on Wednesday.
The union said workers could no longer cope with the erosion of their incomes as inflation, the depreciation of the naira and rising prices of food, transportation, healthcare, shelter and education continued to squeeze household finances.
The union, in a communique signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero, demanded that negotiations for a new national minimum wage begin before the end of October, stressing that the existing wage had lost its purchasing power.
The NLC said the review of the minimum wage could no longer be delayed, demanding a living wage that reflects prevailing economic realities
The union stated: “The joint meeting observes with grave concern 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.
“Nigerian workers can no longer afford the basic necessities of life; food, shelter, healthcare, transportation, and education; on their current wages.
“Consequently, NEC-in-session demands that the federal government commences the renegotiation of the national minimum wage before the end of this month.
“The Congress demands a living wage that reflects the true cost of living and the dignity of the Nigerian worker. Any further delay by the federal government remains unacceptable.”
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Beyond wages, the NLC made a fresh demand for an immediate reduction in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), arguing that the cost of petrol was feeding directly into transportation, food, and other essential expenses.
“The exorbitant pump price of petrol has had a cascading effect on the cost of transportation, food, and other essential goods, further deepening the hardship of workers and the masses,” the NLC said.
The NLC specifically asked the Federal Government to return petrol prices to the level prevailing when the current national minimum wage was signed into law in 2024, saying this would provide relief from the rising cost of living.
It also demanded tax relief for workers as previously agreed with the government and the immediate payment of outstanding wage awards.
“The government cannot continue to demand sacrifice from workers while not offering any relief to the suffering masses and workers,” it stated.
Under the ultimatum, the government is also expected to implement the terms of settlement reached with the Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Healthcare Professionals (JOHESU) on February 5, 2026.
The NLC further demanded implementation of outstanding agreements with the Joint Public Sector Negotiating Council (JPSNC).
It warned that failure to meet the demands within the two-week window would leave the labour centre with no option but to escalate its response.
“Failure of which the NLC will be compelled to take remedial steps as would be directed by the relevant Organs,” it warned.
The NLC urged its affiliates and progressive allies to remain prepared for further engagement, while reaffirming its commitment to pursuing what it described as a fairer and more equitable economic environment for Nigerian workers.
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