The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has given the Federal Government a two-week ultimatum to reduce petrol prices and begin renegotiating the national minimum wage, warning of further action if its demands are not met.

The ultimatum was contained in a communiqué signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero after a joint meeting of the union’s National Executive Council and Central Working Committee in Abuja.

The deadline begins on Friday, October 9, 2026, with the Congress demanding that petrol prices be reduced to their 2024 level when the current minimum wage was signed into law.

The NLC said rising inflation, naira depreciation and the high cost of living had eroded workers’ earnings, making basic necessities increasingly unaffordable.

It also demanded that minimum wage renegotiations begin before the end of October, alongside tax relief for workers and immediate wage awards to cushion the impact of rising living costs.

The Congress further urged the government to implement outstanding agreements with the Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Healthcare Professionals (JOHESU) and address the demands of the Joint Public Sector Negotiating Council.

It directed its affiliates and allies to remain on alert, warning that failure by the government to meet the demands within two weeks would compel the labour movement to take further action.