NLC gives FG two weeks to cut petrol prices and begin wage talks

The Nigeria Labour Congress has given the Federal Government two weeks from Friday, October 9, to reduce petrol prices and begin negotiations on a new national minimum wage.

The congress wants petrol prices brought back to the level at which the current minimum wage was signed into law in 2024.

The demands were set out in a communiqué signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero after a joint meeting of the congress’s National Executive Council and Central Working Committee at Labour House, Abuja.

The NLC said rising living costs and the depreciation of the naira had eroded workers’ earnings. It demanded a living wage and said minimum-wage renegotiation should begin before the end of October.

Its ultimatum also calls for implementation of the February 5, 2026 terms of settlement with the Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Healthcare Professionals, as well as the demands of the Joint Public Sector Negotiating Council.

Separately, the congress asked for the agreed tax relief for workers and immediate wage awards to ease living costs. It directed affiliates and allies to remain on alert for further action.

The communiqué did not specify a new nationwide strike date. It said any response to unmet demands would be directed by the relevant organs of the congress.

Sources: Channels Television, Vanguard