The NLC 14-day ultimatum has put pressure on the Federal Government to address rising living costs. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) wants lower petrol prices, new minimum wage negotiations and action on outstanding agreements with workers.
The ultimatum takes effect from Friday, October 9, 2026. The union issued the warning after a joint meeting of its National Executive Council and Central Working Committee in Abuja. NLC President Joe Ajaero signed the communiqué announcing the decision. The Congress warned that failure to meet its demands could lead to further action.
NLC 14-Day Ultimatum Targets Petrol Prices and Wages
The labour union wants petrol prices reduced nationwide to their level in 2024, when Nigeria signed the current minimum wage into law.
According to the NLC, rising petrol prices have increased transportation costs and pushed up the prices of food and other essential goods. These increases have placed additional pressure on workers and low-income households.
The union also wants the Federal Government to begin renegotiating the national minimum wage before the end of October. It argued that the current wage has lost purchasing power because of the naira’s depreciation and the rising cost of living.
The NLC said many workers struggle to afford basic needs, including food, housing, healthcare, transportation and education. It therefore called for a living wage that reflects current economic realities.
Beyond fuel prices and wage negotiations, the union demanded tax relief for workers and immediate wage awards to help ease financial pressure.
Union Warns of Further Action
The NLC has also asked the government to implement outstanding agreements with public-sector and health-sector workers.
These demands include the terms of settlement reached with the Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Healthcare Professionals on February 5, 2026. The union also wants the government to address demands raised by the Joint Public Sector Negotiating Council.
The Congress urged its affiliates and allies to remain prepared for possible action if the government fails to respond within the 14-day period.
However, the NLC has not announced a specific strike date. Instead, it said its relevant organs would determine the next steps if the government ignores the ultimatum.
The warning adds to pressure on the government to address workers’ concerns over earnings and rising living costs. Any response from the authorities could influence negotiations between organised labour and the government in the coming weeks.
