By Our Reporter

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Friday, October 9, 2026, begins a two-week ultimatum to the Federal Government to reduce petrol prices and commence renegotiation of the national minimum wage, warning that failure to meet its demands could trigger further action by the labour movement.

The ultimatum was contained in a communiqué issued after a joint meeting of the NLC’s National Executive Council and Central Working Committee at Labour House, Abuja. NLC President Joe Ajaero urged affiliates and progressive allies to remain on high alert and prepare for what the Congress described as “decisive efforts” against policies worsening workers’ hardship.

The Congress demanded that petrol prices be reduced to their levels when the current national minimum wage was signed into law in 2024. It said high fuel costs had pushed up transportation fares, food prices and the cost of other essential goods, deepening the economic hardship faced by workers and households.

Recall that President Bola Tinubu signed the National Minimum Wage of N70,000 into law on July 29, 2024.

On wages, the NLC called on the government to begin negotiations for a new minimum wage before the end of October, insisting that current earnings could no longer cover basic needs. It also demanded tax relief for workers, immediate payment of wage awards and implementation of outstanding agreements with health sector unions and the Joint Public Sector Negotiating Council.

The communiqué said the government must act within the two-week deadline, warning that failure to meet the demands would compel the Congress to take further steps as directed by its relevant organs. The NLC said workers must remain “resolute, organised, and uncompromising” in the struggle for a fairer and more equitable Nigeria.