NLC gives FG two-week ultimatum to cut petrol price, renegotiate minimum wage

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has given the Federal Government a two-week ultimatum to reduce petrol prices and renegotiate the national minimum wage. This demand was made known in a communiqué by NLC President, Mr Joe Ajaero, following a joint meeting of the National Executive Council and Central Working Committee. The meeting took place on Thursday in Abuja, with the primary focus on the current state of the nation, economic hardship, and the rising cost of living.

Ajaero stated that the NLC has given the government a period starting from the following Friday, October 9, 2026, to address the concerns. Failure to comply would result in the NLC taking remedial steps as directed by the relevant organs. The main issues at hand include the erosion of the national minimum wage due to the depreciation of the naira and the escalating cost of living, making it difficult for workers to afford basic necessities.

Ajaero called for the immediate renegotiation of the minimum wage, a reduction in petrol prices to alleviate the pressure on workers and consumers, and the implementation of previous agreements such as the Terms of Settlement with JOHESU and the demands of the Joint Public Sector Negotiating Council. He urged workers and NLC affiliates to remain vigilant and organized, ready to respond if the government does not meet the demanded within the given time frame.