The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has given the Federal Government two weeks to reduce petrol prices towards the levels that prevailed when Nigeria’s current national minimum wage became law in 2024, while demanding the reopening of minimum wage negotiations before the end of October 2026. The union warned that failure to address its demands could trigger further action by organised labour.
The ultimatum followed a joint meeting of the NLC National Executive Council and Central Working Committee at the Olaitan Oyerinde Hall, Labour House, Abuja. In a communiqué signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero, the congress said the deadline began on Friday, October 9, 2026.
Key Highlights
- NLC gives the Federal Government two weeks to address its petrol price demand.
- Labour wants petrol prices reduced towards 2024 levels when the ₦70,000 minimum wage was agreed.
- The union demands renewed minimum wage negotiations before the end of October 2026.
- NLC says inflation and naira depreciation have eroded the purchasing power of workers.
- Labour also demands tax relief, immediate wage awards and implementation of outstanding agreements.
- The congress warns that failure to meet its demands could lead to further action.
NLC Demands Petrol Price Reduction Within Two Weeks
In its communiqué, the NLC called on the Federal Government to take measures to reduce petrol prices nationwide towards the level recorded when the current national minimum wage was agreed in 2024.
The union argued that lowering fuel prices would help ease the pressure of rising energy costs on workers and the wider population.
The congress also linked petrol prices to the rising costs of transportation, food and other essential goods, maintaining that the current situation has made life increasingly difficult for Nigerian households.
The NLC warned that if the government failed to respond within the two-week period, it would be compelled to consider further measures as directed by its relevant organs.
However, the communiqué did not specify the exact pump price the union wants restored or announce a date for any proposed industrial action.
Labour Demands Fresh Minimum Wage Negotiations
Beyond petrol prices, the NLC wants the Federal Government to reopen negotiations on the national minimum wage before the end of October.
The union argued that the existing ₦70,000 minimum wage has lost much of its purchasing power because of naira depreciation and the rising cost of living.
According to labour, many Nigerian workers are struggling to afford basic necessities, including food, housing, healthcare, transportation and education.
Although the 2024 minimum wage agreement provides for a three-year review cycle, the NLC maintains that prevailing economic conditions warrant an earlier reconsideration.
The demand puts renewed pressure on the government to engage organised labour over workers’ earnings and the cost of living.
NLC Lists Additional Demands for Workers
The congress also outlined other issues it wants the Federal Government to address alongside the petrol price and minimum wage demands.
These include:
- Tax relief measures for workers.
- Immediate wage awards to cushion the effects of rising living costs.
- Implementation of the February 5, 2026, terms of settlement involving the Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Healthcare Professionals (JOHESU).
- Resolution of additional demands arising from the health-sector agreement.
- Action on outstanding claims raised by the Joint Public Sector Negotiating Council.
The NLC also directed its affiliates to remain on high alert as the two-week deadline approaches.
How Nigeria Arrived at the ₦70,000 Minimum Wage
Nigeria’s current national minimum wage of ₦70,000 was agreed in July 2024 after months of negotiations between organised labour and the Federal Government.
During the negotiations, labour initially demanded a substantially higher figure, with ₦615,000 among the amounts proposed. Talks encountered difficulties after the government offered ₦48,000 and the organised private sector proposed ₦54,000.
President Bola Tinubu subsequently increased the government’s offer from ₦62,000 to ₦70,000. The final agreement also established a three-year review cycle instead of the previously proposed five-year interval.
NLC President Joe Ajaero has repeatedly argued that the union accepted the ₦70,000 figure partly to prevent a further increase in petrol prices.
He has also recounted that the President proposed a possible ₦250,000 minimum wage in discussions involving a potential petrol price increase, but labour rejected the reported proposal, saying it lacked a mandate to exchange higher fuel prices for higher wages.
Petrol prices subsequently increased sharply, prompting labour to accuse the government of failing to honour the understanding it said underpinned the wage negotiations.
The current ultimatum reflects the NLC’s position that the cost of fuel has undermined the value of the 2024 wage settlement.
FG Considers Petrol Price Measures Amid Labour Pressure
The NLC’s demands come as the Federal Government pursues measures aimed at managing petrol price fluctuations and reducing pressure on consumers.
The government has discussed a proposed ceiling of about ₦1,350 per litre on petrol’s ex-gantry or landing cost, subject to monthly review. That figure relates to costs earlier in the supply chain and should not be interpreted as a guaranteed retail pump price.
Officials have also discussed a 30-day discount on petroleum products dispensed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, with priority for public transport operators. The stated objective is to sell the product at cost rather than reinstate a general fuel subsidy.
Labour, however, maintains that such measures do not meet its demand for petrol prices to return towards 2024 levels.
The difference between the government’s approach and labour’s position could become a central issue in discussions over the coming weeks.
Read also:
- NLC Demands Lower Petrol Prices, Wage Award, New Minimum Wage on Independence Day
- FG Announces 10-Point Plan, N1,350 Petrol Landing Cost Ceiling
- NLC Declares Indefinite Strike In Abuja Over FCT Teachers’ Promotion Dispute
Earlier Labour Disputes Add to Pressure on FG
The latest ultimatum follows other labour disputes linked to workers’ welfare and the cost of living.
Earlier in October, public-sector workers under the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council embarked on a three-day warning strike over issues including petrol prices, wage awards, minimum wage negotiations and living costs.
The NLC’s Federal Capital Territory council also began an indefinite strike over a separate dispute with the FCT Administration concerning teachers’ promotions.
These disputes have added to pressure on the government to address unresolved labour demands and rising household expenses.
Will the NLC Ultimatum Lead to Industrial Action?
The next two weeks will be crucial in determining whether the Federal Government and organised labour can reach an understanding on petrol prices and minimum wage negotiations.
The NLC has warned that failure to meet its demands could prompt further action, although it has not announced a specific nationwide strike date in the communiqué.
Any escalation will depend on the government’s response, the outcome of possible negotiations and decisions by the union’s relevant organs.
For now, the central issues remain the cost of petrol, the purchasing power of the ₦70,000 minimum wage and the implementation of outstanding agreements between labour and the government.
For more breaking news and updates, follow us on X.
