Joe Ajaero NLC President
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has given the Federal Government a two-week ultimatum to reduce petrol prices and commence renegotiation of the national minimum wage.
The ultimatum is contained in a communiqué signed by NLC President, Mr. Joe Ajaero, after a joint meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) and Central Working Committee (CWC) on Thursday in Abuja.
The meeting deliberated on the state of the nation, economic hardship, rising cost of living and what the NLC described as existential threats confronting workers and the masses.
“The joint meeting issues a two-week ultimatum to the federal government, beginning from Friday, Oct. 9, 2026.
“Within this period, government is expected to take measures to reduce the price of petrol across the nation and commence the process of renegotiating a new national minimum wage.
“Failure of which the NLC will be compelled to take remedial steps as would be directed by the relevant organs,” Ajaero said.
He said the current national minimum wage had been eroded by the depreciation of the naira and rising cost of living, leaving workers unable to afford basic necessities, while he demanded that the Federal Government commence renegotiation of the minimum wage before the end of October.
He also called for an immediate reduction in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, to ease the pressure on workers and other Nigerians, as high petrol prices have driven up transportation fares and the cost of food and other essential goods, worsening the hardship facing Nigerians.
NLC President Joe Ajaero outlined the demands, urging the government to honor the Terms of Settlement reached with the Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Healthcare Professionals (JOHESU) on February 5, 2026.
In addition, Ajaero pressed the authorities to address all outstanding demands submitted by the Joint Public Sector Negotiating Council (JPSNC) and enforce agreed tax relief measures to ease the financial strain on citizens.
Highlighting the severe economic pressure facing Nigerian workers due to the rising cost of living, the union leader demanded the immediate payment of wage awards to provide urgent financial relief.
Ajaero called on all NLC affiliates, workers, and progressive allies to stay organized, vigilant, and ready to take action should the Federal Government fail to address these demands within the designated timeframe. He reiterated the Congress’s unwavering commitment to protecting workers’ rights and welfare across the country.
