Breaking News: NLC Gives FG Two-Week Ultimatum to Cut Petrol Price, Renegotiate Minimum Wage

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has given the Federal Government a two-week ultimatum to take measures to reduce the price of petrol and commence the renegotiation of the national minimum wage.

The ultimatum was contained in a communiqué issued following a joint meeting of the NLC’s National Executive Council (NEC) and Central Working Committee (CWC) in Abuja. The communiqué was signed by NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero. 

According to the NLC, the ultimatum will take effect from Friday, October 9, 2026, with the labour centre warning that it would take further steps if the Federal Government fails to meet its demands within the stipulated period. 

The labour union said the purchasing power of Nigerian workers has been severely weakened by rising living costs and the depreciation of the naira.

It argued that the current national minimum wage is no longer sufficient to meet basic needs, including food, housing, healthcare, transportation and education.

The NLC therefore demanded that the Federal Government commence negotiations for a new national minimum wage before the end of October 2026, insisting that the new wage should reflect prevailing economic realities and the cost of living. 

The NLC also renewed its call for an immediate reduction in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol.

The union said the high cost of petrol has contributed to increased transportation fares and higher prices of food and other essential commodities, thereby placing additional pressure on workers and households.

It specifically demanded that petrol prices be reduced nationwide to the level that prevailed when the current national minimum wage was signed into law in 2024. 

The demand comes as the Federal Government considers measures to contain fuel-price volatility. On Thursday, Finance Minister Wale Edun announced a proposal to cap petrol prices at about ₦1,350 per litre, with domestic refiners and importers expected to absorb temporary increases in international fuel costs. 

Beyond petrol prices and minimum wage negotiations, the NLC called on the Federal Government to implement outstanding agreements involving public-sector and health-sector workers.

Among its demands are the implementation of the February 5, 2026 Terms of Settlement reached with the Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Healthcare Professionals (JOHESU), as well as outstanding demands of the Joint Public Sector Negotiating Council (JPSNC). 

The Congress also demanded tax relief for workers and the immediate payment of wage awards to cushion the impact of rising living costs.

The labour centre warned that failure by the Federal Government to respond to its demands within the two-week period would compel the NLC to take what it described as “remedial steps” as directed by its relevant organs.

The Congress has consequently directed its affiliates and allies to remain prepared for further action.

The latest ultimatum comes amid continuing debate over petrol prices, workers’ purchasing power and the adequacy of the current ₦70,000 national minimum wage, as organised labour presses for measures aimed at addressing the rising cost of living. 

Source: Channels Television, Vanguard, and other reports on the NLC communiqué.