The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has given the Federal Government a 14-day ultimatum to reduce petrol prices, begin the renegotiation of the national minimum wage and address other outstanding demands affecting Nigerian workers.

The ultimatum, which takes effect on Friday, October 9, 2026, was contained in a communiqué issued after a joint meeting of the NLC’s National Executive Council and Central Working Committee at Labour House, Abuja.

The communiqué, signed by NLC President, Joe Ajaero, warned that the labour movement could take further action if the government failed to meet its demands within the stipulated period.

The congress expressed concern over rising inflation, the depreciation of the naira and the increasing cost of living, which it said had significantly eroded workers’ purchasing power and made basic necessities increasingly unaffordable.

According to the NLC, the current national minimum wage has lost its value amid rising costs of food, housing, healthcare, transportation and education, leaving many Nigerian workers struggling to meet their basic needs.

Consequently, the congress demanded that the Federal Government commence the renegotiation of the national minimum wage before the end of October, insisting that the new wage must reflect the actual cost of living and guarantee workers a decent standard of living.

On petrol pricing, the NLC urged the government to work with relevant agencies to immediately reduce the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol.

It specifically demanded that petrol prices be reduced to the level prevailing when the current national minimum wage was signed into law in 2024, arguing that high fuel costs had triggered increases in transportation fares, food prices and other essential commodities.

The labour union also called for the implementation of previously agreed tax relief measures for workers and the immediate payment of wage awards to cushion the effects of rising living costs.

Beyond wages and petrol prices, the NLC demanded the implementation of the terms of settlement reached with the Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Healthcare Professionals (JOHESU) on February 5, 2026, alongside other outstanding demands from the health sector.

It further called for the implementation of the demands of the Joint Public Sector Negotiating Council (JPSNC), warning that failure to address the issues would compel the congress to take remedial action as directed by its relevant organs.

The NLC urged its affiliates and progressive allies to remain on high alert and prepare for what it described as decisive action against policies considered detrimental to workers and the wider population.

The congress maintained that Nigerian workers must remain organised and resolute in the struggle for improved welfare, economic justice and a more equitable society, insisting that the government could no longer continue to demand sacrifices from workers without providing corresponding relief.