NLC Issues Two-Week Ultimatum for Petrol Price Cuts

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has given the federal government a two-week ultimatum to reduce petrol prices, initiate renegotiations for the national minimum wage, and fulfill outstanding agreements with workers. This ultimatum, effective from today, was announced following a joint meeting of the NLC National Executive Council and Central Working Committee in Abuja.

The NLC demands that petrol prices revert to levels from when the current minimum wage was established in 2024, arguing that high fuel costs have exacerbated transportation expenses and increased prices of essential goods. Additionally, the NLC insists that negotiations for a new minimum wage commence before the end of October, as the current wage has been diminished by naira depreciation and rising living costs.

Other demands include tax relief for workers, payment of wage awards, and the implementation of agreements with the Joint Health Sector Unions and the Joint Public Sector Negotiating Council. The NLC warns that failure to meet these demands will lead to “remedial steps” as directed by its relevant organs.