The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has drawn a 14-day battle line with the Federal Government, demanding an immediate cut in petrol prices and the reopening of negotiations on the national minimum wage—or face further action from organised labour.
The ultimatum begins Friday, October 9, 2026, throwing the government a fresh economic and industrial relations challenge as millions of Nigerians grapple with soaring living costs.
The warning was contained in a communiqué issued after a joint meeting of the NLC’s National Executive Council (NEC) and Central Working Committee (CWC) in Abuja and signed by NLC President, Joe Ajaero.
The Congress ordered its affiliates and progressive allies to remain on high alert, warning them to prepare for what it described as “decisive efforts” against policies it considers detrimental to workers and the wider population.
The message from Labour was blunt: the government has two weeks to act.
Petrol Price: NLC Demands 2024 Level
At the centre of the confrontation is the price of petrol.
The NLC demanded an immediate nationwide reduction in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), insisting that petrol should return to the level prevailing when the current national minimum wage was signed into law in 2024.
According to the labour body, the soaring cost of fuel has triggered a chain reaction across the economy, driving up transportation costs, food prices and the cost of basic necessities.
The Congress said the situation has become increasingly unbearable for workers and ordinary Nigerians.
Minimum Wage No Longer Enough, Says Labour
The NLC also declared that the current minimum wage has been badly eroded by inflation and the depreciation of the naira.
It said workers’ earnings can no longer adequately cover basic needs, including food, shelter, healthcare, transportation and education.
The Congress therefore demanded that the Federal Government begin renegotiating the national minimum wage before the end of October.
“The current national minimum wage has been rendered worthless,” the NLC said, pointing to the relentless rise in the cost of living.
The labour movement said it would no longer accept delays in addressing workers’ declining purchasing power, demanding a wage that reflects the actual cost of living.
Four Demands, Two Weeks
The NLC gave the government a clear list of demands: Slash petrol prices nationwide to the level in force when the 2024 minimum wage was enacted. Commence negotiations for a new national minimum wage. Implement the February 5, 2026 Terms of Settlement reached with JOHESU and address other outstanding health-sector demands.
Implement the demands of the Joint Public Sector Negotiating Council (JPSNC).The Congress also demanded tax relief for workers and immediate wage awards to cushion the impact of rising living costs.
‘Failure Will Trigger Further Action’
The warning became sharper as the communiqué addressed what could happen if the government ignores the deadline.
The NLC said failure to meet its demands within the stipulated period would compel it to take what it called “remedial steps” as directed by its relevant organs.
The Congress also directed its affiliates and allies to remain prepared for action.
The labour body said its decisions were driven by what it described as a worsening economic, political and survival crisis confronting workers and Nigerians.
“Inflation continues to soar unabated, the naira remains traumatised, wages have been rendered worthless, and the cost of living has become unbearable,” the NLC said.
With the countdown beginning on October 9, the Federal Government now faces a two-week deadline to respond to Labour’s demands.
For the NLC, the warning is clear: act on petrol prices and wages—or prepare for the next phase of the confrontation.
NLC Issues 14-Day Ultimatum to FG Over Petrol Prices, Minimum Wage
