NLC gives FG two weeks to cut petrol price, renegotiate minimum wage, threatens industrial action
By Goodness Ndukuba, Awka
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has given the Federal Government a two-week ultimatum to cut petrol price and begin renegotiation of the national minimum wage, warning it will embark on industrial action if the demands are not met.
The ultimatum takes effect from Friday, Oct. 9 and expires on Thursday, Oct. 23.
The resolution was reached at a joint meeting of the NLC’s National Executive Council (NEC) and Central Working Committee (CWC) held in Abuja on Wednesday.
In a communiqué signed by President Joe Ajaero, the NLC said failure to meet the demands within the two-week window will compel it to take remedial action as directed by its relevant organs.
It demanded an immediate reduction in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to the level prevailing when the current minimum wage was signed in 2024, arguing that the exorbitant price has triggered a chain reaction in transportation, food and essential goods costs.
The labour union said the current minimum wage has been rendered worthless by naira depreciation and rising living costs, and therefore demanded that negotiations for a new minimum wage must commence before the end of October.
It also demanded tax relief for workers as previously agreed, immediate payment of wage awards to cushion living costs, and full implementation of the settlement reached with the Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Healthcare Professionals (JOHESU) on Feb. 5, 2026, alongside outstanding demands of the Joint Public Sector Negotiating Council (JPSNC).
The NLC has placed its affiliates and allies on high alert to prepare for decisive action, raising the prospect of a renewed confrontation with the Federal Government if the October 23 deadline lapses without compliance.
