NLC Gives Tinubu Government Two Weeks to Reduce Petrol Prices, Begin Minimum Wage Renegotiation

NLC Gives Tinubu Government Two Weeks to Reduce Petrol Prices, Begin Minimum Wage Renegotiation

By The Analyst News Desk

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has given the Federal Government two weeks to reduce petrol prices, commence renegotiation of the national minimum wage and implement outstanding agreements with public sector workers, warning that failure to meet its demands could trigger further action by organised labour.

The ultimatum, which takes effect from Friday, October 9, 2026, was issued in a communiqué signed by NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, following a joint meeting of the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) and Central Working Committee (CWC) in Abuja on October 7.

The labour movement said the worsening economic situation had pushed Nigerian workers and the wider population into deeper hardship, citing rising inflation, the depreciation of the naira, declining purchasing power and the escalating cost of essential goods and services.

The NLC accused the Federal Government of pursuing economic policies that have intensified the suffering of ordinary Nigerians, arguing that workers can no longer meet basic needs, including food, housing, healthcare, transportation and education, with their current earnings.

At the centre of its demands is an immediate reduction in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol.

The Congress called on the Federal Government to work with relevant agencies to bring petrol prices down to the levels prevailing when the current national minimum wage was signed into law in 2024.

According to the NLC, the high cost of petrol has contributed significantly to rising transportation fares, food prices and the cost of other essential commodities, worsening the financial pressure on workers and low-income households.

It also accused government policies on petroleum pricing of disproportionately benefiting a limited number of oil marketers while imposing severe economic burdens on the wider population.

NLC Demands Fresh Minimum Wage Negotiations

The Congress also demanded that the Federal Government commence negotiations for a new national minimum wage before the end of October.

It argued that the current minimum wage had lost much of its purchasing power because of the continued depreciation of the naira and the rising cost of living.

The NLC insisted that any new wage arrangement must reflect the actual cost of living and guarantee workers the means to meet their basic needs.

It warned that further delays in opening negotiations would be unacceptable, given the deteriorating economic circumstances confronting Nigerian workers.

Workers Demand Tax Relief, Wage Awards

Beyond petrol price reductions and minimum wage renegotiation, the NLC demanded immediate tax relief for workers, in line with what it described as previous agreements with the Federal Government.

It also called for the payment of wage awards to cushion the effects of rising living costs, arguing that workers should not be expected to bear the burden of economic adjustment without corresponding relief.

The Congress maintained that tax relief and wage awards were necessary immediate interventions to ease hardship while longer-term wage negotiations and economic measures were pursued.

Government Told to Honour Health Sector Agreements

The NLC further directed the Federal Government to implement the terms of settlement reached with the Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Healthcare Professionals (JOHESU) on February 5, 2026.

It also demanded the implementation of outstanding demands presented by the Joint Public Sector Negotiating Council (JPSNC).

The Congress did not limit its ultimatum to economic relief, placing the resolution of outstanding labour disputes and the fulfilment of previous agreements among the conditions it expects the government to address within the two-week window.

NLC Warns of Further Action

The labour movement warned that failure by the Federal Government to meet its demands within the stipulated period would compel the Congress to take further steps as directed by its relevant organs.

Although the communiqué did not specify the precise form of action that could follow, the warning places the government under pressure to address the demands before the ultimatum expires.

The NLC called on its affiliated unions and progressive allies to remain alert and prepared to participate in further action against policies it considers harmful to workers and the wider population.

The Congress said its position reflects its responsibility to resist exploitation and defend the interests of Nigerian workers.

The ultimatum comes amid persistent public concerns over the cost of living, petrol prices and the declining purchasing power of household incomes.

The Federal Government's response to the demands, particularly on petrol pricing and the commencement of minimum wage negotiations, will be central to determining whether the dispute escalates after the deadline.

The Analyst Online Media will continue to monitor developments surrounding the ultimatum and the Federal Government's response.