NLC Urges Petrol Price Cuts and New Minimum Wage Negotiations

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called for an urgent reduction in petrol prices and the establishment of a new national minimum wage. In a statement issued on September 30, 2026, President Joe Ajaero emphasized that Nigerian workers are facing a severe survival crisis exacerbated by inflation, which has diminished the real value of wages.

The NLC criticized the petrol price hike that began in May 2023 as a "systematic assault on the working class" and demanded accountability for funds released from the removal of the fuel subsidy. The union also pointed out Nigeria's reliance on imported refined petroleum, which exposes workers to fluctuations in global oil prices.

The NLC stated that the current minimum wage of ₦70,000 has already lost value due to inflation and called for a tripartite committee to negotiate a new wage standard for 2027 before the year ends. Additionally, the NLC accused the government of failing to implement previously agreed tax relief measures and flagged rising violence as a significant threat to economic recovery.