NLC Gives FG 14-Day Ultimatum on Petrol Price, Minimum Wage

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued the Federal Government a 14-day ultimatum to reduce petrol prices and begin renegotiating the national minimum wage, warning that failure to meet its demands could trigger further action.

The ultimatum was contained in a communiqué issued after a joint meeting of the NLC’s National Executive Council and Central Working Committee at Labour House in Abuja.

The communiqué, signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero, stated that the deadline would begin on Friday, October 9, 2026.

The labour body called on the government to work with relevant agencies to bring down the price of Premium Motor Spirit, commonly known as petrol, across the country.

It argued that high fuel prices had increased transportation costs and pushed up the prices of food and other essential goods, worsening the financial pressure on workers and households.

The NLC demanded that petrol prices be reduced nationwide to the level that prevailed when the current national minimum wage was signed into law in 2024.

It also called for negotiations on the national minimum wage to begin before the end of October, saying workers’ earnings needed to be reviewed in response to rising living costs.

In addition, the congress demanded tax relief for workers and the immediate provision of wage awards to cushion the effects of higher prices.

The NLC directed its affiliates and progressive allies to remain on alert and prepare for what it described as decisive action if the government failed to respond within the stipulated period.

The ultimatum comes amid renewed national debate over fuel prices, the cost of living and the government’s economic reforms.

The Federal Government has defended the removal of petrol subsidy, arguing that the previous system placed considerable pressure on public finances. It has warned that restoring a blanket subsidy could worsen fiscal and foreign-exchange pressures.

However, the government has also announced a temporary intervention under which NNPC would sell petrol at cost for 30 days, with priority for public transport operators. It is also pursuing a proposed ceiling on petrol’s landing or ex-gantry cost.

The NLC has not accepted these measures as a substitute for its demands for lower petrol prices and wage negotiations.

The coming two weeks will test whether the government and organised labour can reach an agreement before the deadline expires. The congress has warned that it may take further steps if its demands are not addressed, although the communiqué did not specify the precise form of any action.