Hardship: NLC Backs Workers’ Demand for N500 Petrol Price, N500,000 Minimum Wage

The Nigeria Labour Congress has backed demands by civil servants for the Federal Government to reduce the price of petrol to N500 per litre and introduce a N500,000 minimum salary under a proposed 2027 wage structure.

The demands were made by the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council, Trade Union Side, in a letter to President Bola Tinubu over worsening economic hardship affecting workers and their dependants.

The council also called for an immediate Wage Award for federal, state and local government workers, alongside an upward review of salaries and allowances across the public service.

The workers gave the Federal Government until Wednesday, September 30, to act on their demands, warning that the continuing deterioration in living standards was creating tension among workers and Nigerians.

The council said recent petrol prices of about N1,430 per litre or more in some locations had further increased transportation costs and contributed to higher prices of essential commodities.

It argued that food palliatives were not a sustainable solution to the economic crisis, urging the government instead to pursue measures capable of benefiting workers and other Nigerians.

The council proposed an intervention fund involving stakeholders in the oil sector to help stabilise petrol prices and eventually bring the pump price down to N500 per litre.

It also supported proposals for the government to make crude oil available in naira to local refineries and strengthen national storage capacity.

On wages, the council proposed that an officer on Grade Level 01, Step 1, should earn at least N500,000 monthly under the proposed 2027 salary template.

It further called for harmonised wages across ministries, departments and agencies, as well as corresponding reviews at the state and local government levels.

The council urged the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission to begin discussions with the NLC, Trade Union Congress and other stakeholders on the proposed wage adjustments.

Reacting to the demands, the NLC described the call for a wage award and lower petrol prices as realistic and legitimate.

The labour centre said rising fuel prices had eroded workers’ purchasing power and made it increasingly difficult for many employees to afford transportation, food and other basic necessities.

The latest demands come as organised labour prepares for discussions on a new national minimum wage ahead of the expected expiration of the current wage arrangement.

The workers said improved remuneration and lower transportation costs were necessary to restore purchasing power, improve productivity and strengthen industrial peace.