NLC gives FG two weeks to cut petrol price, begin minimum wage talks
The Nigeria Labour Congress has given the Federal Government a two-week ultimatum to reduce petrol prices and commence renegotiation of the minimum wage. Read More:…
The Nigeria Labour Congress, the country's largest umbrella body for unionised workers, has repeatedly clashed with the Federal Government over the cost of living since the removal of fuel subsidy in 2023, which triggered sharp increases in petrol prices, transport fares and general inflation. The N70,000 minimum wage signed into law in 2024 has itself come under pressure from labour groups, who argue it no longer reflects the real cost of living given the naira's depreciation and persistent price increases, and have long pushed for an early review built into the wage agreement.
This latest ultimatum adds to a pattern of threatened strikes and deadlines the NLC has issued to press its demands, with outcomes often hinging on last-minute negotiations between labour leaders, government officials and organised private sector representatives. The coverage across outlets agrees on the core demands — a petrol price cut, minimum wage renegotiation and resolution of unspecified outstanding agreements — but none of the reports detail how the government has responded, whether a strike is being planned should the deadline lapse, or what specific agreements labour considers unresolved.