NLC gives FG two weeks to cut petrol price, begin minimum wage talks

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a two-week ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding they lower petrol prices, renegotiate the national minimum wage and address outstanding agreements with workers. This ultimatum was announced following a meeting between the National Executive Council and Central Working Committee of the NLC in Abuja.

If the government fails to meet these demands, the NLC threatens to take further action. The union specifically demands that the government reduce the price of petrol to the level when the national minimum wage was signed in 2024. The NLC also calls for immediate negotiations for a new minimum wage, implementation of previous settlement agreements, and action on the demands of the Joint Public Sector Negotiating Council.

They argue that the soaring cost of living and weak naira have made the current wage worthless and unable to meet basic needs. The NLC links the erosion of purchasing power to high petrol prices, which have driven up transportation and other essential goods costs. The union urges the government to provide tax relief and wage awards to alleviate worker suffering.