The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has given the Federal Government a two-week ultimatum to reduce petrol prices, commence negotiations for a new national minimum wage and implement outstanding agreements with health workers.
The ultimatum, which takes effect on Friday, October 9, 2026, comes with a warning of further action if the government fails to meet the demands within the stipulated period.
In a communiqué issued after a joint meeting of its National Executive Council and Central Working Committee in Abuja, the Congress demanded that petrol prices be reduced to the levels prevailing when the current minimum wage was enacted in 2024.
The communiqué, signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero, also called for fresh negotiations on the ₦70,000 national minimum wage, citing inflation and the rising cost of living as factors that have significantly weakened workers’ purchasing power.
The labour union further demanded full implementation of the February 5, 2026 agreement with the Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Healthcare Professionals, as well as the settlement of outstanding demands of the Joint Public Sector Negotiating Council.
Additionally, the Congress called for tax relief and immediate wage awards to ease the economic hardship facing Nigerian workers.
The NLC directed its affiliate unions to remain on alert for further action should the Federal Government fail to respond to its demands within the two-week deadline.
