The NLC 14-day ultimatum has increased pressure on the Federal Government to address rising petrol prices, declining workers’ purchasing power and demands for a new national minimum wage. The Nigeria Labour Congress announced the ultimatum after a joint meeting of its National Executive Council and Central Working Committee in Abuja, warning that the government must respond to its demands or face further action from organised labour. The deadline begins on Friday, October 9, 2026.
NLC 14-Day Ultimatum Targets Petrol Prices and Wages
In a communiqué signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero, the labour union called on the Federal Government to reduce petrol prices nationwide to the levels recorded when the current national minimum wage became law in 2024.
The Congress argued that expensive petrol continues to increase transportation fares and the cost of moving goods across the country, creating additional financial pressure on workers and households already struggling with the rising prices of essential commodities.
According to the union, these increases have made it increasingly difficult for many Nigerians to afford food, housing, healthcare, transportation and education, while the depreciation of the naira has further weakened the value of workers’ earnings.
The NLC believes that reducing petrol prices would provide some relief to households and help ease the pressure on workers whose salaries have failed to keep pace with rising living expenses.
The union therefore wants the government to take immediate steps to address fuel costs rather than allow workers and other Nigerians to continue bearing the burden of rising prices. <Cite refs={[“turn262745search1″,”turn262745search2”]}/>
Union Demands Fresh Minimum Wage Negotiations
Beyond petrol prices, the NLC wants the Federal Government to begin negotiations for a new national minimum wage before the end of October.
The union maintains that the current minimum wage has lost much of its purchasing power because of inflation, currency depreciation and the increasing cost of basic goods and services.
For many workers, monthly earnings must cover several essential expenses, including rent, food, transportation, school fees and medical bills, leaving little money for savings or unexpected emergencies.
The Congress argues that a new wage agreement should reflect prevailing economic conditions and give workers a better chance of meeting their basic needs.
However, the union has not announced a specific new minimum wage figure as part of the reported ultimatum. Its immediate demand is for the government to begin the renegotiation process within the stipulated period.
The NLC also called for tax relief and immediate wage awards to help workers manage the current economic pressure while negotiations continue
NLC Seeks Implementation of Outstanding Labour Agreements
The labour organisation has also asked the Federal Government to address unresolved issues affecting public-sector employees and healthcare workers.
One of its demands concerns the implementation of the terms of settlement reached with the Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Healthcare Professionals on February 5, 2026.
The Congress also wants the government to implement outstanding demands raised by the Joint Public Sector Negotiating Council, adding these issues to its wider call for improved working conditions and financial relief.
These demands show that the dispute extends beyond petrol prices and minimum wage negotiations, as organised labour also wants the government to honour existing agreements with workers.
The NLC has urged its affiliates and allies to remain prepared for further developments if the authorities fail to meet the demands within the two-week deadline.
Government Faces Pressure as Deadline Begins
The ultimatum comes amid continued concern over the cost of living and the impact of fuel prices on household budgets and business operations.
On October 8, the Federal Government announced a proposal to cap petrol prices at approximately ₦1,350 per litre, with domestic refiners and importers expected to absorb temporary price increases under the proposed arrangement. The proposal aims to reduce fuel-price volatility, although it does not automatically meet the NLC’s separate demand for a return to 2024 price levels.
The government’s response to the labour union’s demands will therefore be important in determining whether both sides can reach an agreement within the available period.
The NLC has warned that failure to meet its demands could prompt further action, although it has not announced a specific nationwide strike date in the ultimatum.
As the deadline begins, workers and employers will be watching for developments on petrol prices, wage negotiations and outstanding labour agreements, with the outcome likely to influence discussions between organised labour and the Federal Government in the coming weeks.
