The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has given the Federal Government two weeks to take action on petrol prices, begin negotiations for a new national minimum wage and address outstanding agreements with organised labour.

The ultimatum was issued after a joint meeting of the NLC’s National Executive Council and Central Working Committee in Abuja and takes effect from Friday, October 9, 2026.

In a communiqué signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero, the union warned that failure to meet its demands within the two-week period could lead to further action as directed by its relevant organs.

A major part of the NLC’s demand is a reduction in the price of Premium Motor Spirit, commonly known as petrol. The union wants the Federal Government to take steps to bring petrol prices back to the level that existed when the current national minimum wage was signed into law in 2024.

The labour body argued that the high cost of petrol has contributed to rising transportation expenses and, in turn, increased the prices of food and other essential goods.

The NLC also wants the Federal Government to commence the renegotiation of the national minimum wage before the end of October.

The union said the N70,000 minimum wage approved in 2024 had lost significant purchasing power because of the depreciation of the naira and the continued rise in living costs. It argued that workers were struggling to meet basic expenses such as food, housing, healthcare, transportation and education.

Beyond petrol and wages, the NLC is demanding implementation of the Terms of Settlement reached with the Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Healthcare Professionals (JOHESU) on February 5, 2026.

It also wants the Federal Government to address outstanding demands presented by the Joint Public Sector Negotiating Council.

The union further called for tax relief for workers and immediate wage awards, describing both measures as necessary interventions amid the pressure on household incomes.

The latest ultimatum represents an escalation of concerns the NLC has raised repeatedly in recent weeks. In its Independence Day statement on September 30, the labour centre had already called for lower petrol prices, a nationwide wage award and negotiations for a new minimum wage, citing the erosion of workers’ purchasing power.

The renewed pressure also follows a warning strike by public-sector workers under the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council earlier in October over issues including petrol prices, wage awards and minimum-wage negotiations.

For the Federal Government, the labour demand comes as it continues to pursue measures aimed at reducing the pressure created by petrol prices and broader living costs. The NLC, however, is seeking a more direct reduction in the pump price rather than relying solely on measures designed to manage price volatility.

The two-week period gives the government until late October to respond to the union's demands.

The NLC has instructed its affiliates and allies to remain prepared for further action if the Federal Government fails to meet the conditions set out in its communiqué.

The latest development adds to the growing pressure on the government to address workers’ purchasing power, fuel costs and the implementation of previously negotiated labour agreements as economic concerns remain a major issue for organised labour.

Reporting by TalkNaijaMedia