The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a strong challenge to the federal government, demanding an immediate reduction in petrol prices and the prompt initiation of negotiations for a new national minimum wage to cushion workers against the rising cost of living.
In an Independence Day address issued on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, NLC President Joe Ajaero highlighted that Nigerian workers are facing a severe survival crisis. Inflation has significantly eroded the purchasing power of wages, while skyrocketing fuel prices continue to drive up the cost of basic items, including food, transportation, housing, and school fees.
A Systemic Assault on the Working Class
The labour union strongly criticized the continuous increase in fuel prices, describing the hikes that started in May 2023 as a systematic assault on the working class. The NLC urged the federal government to explain how the savings from the fuel subsidy removal are being utilized.
The congress also expressed disappointment over Nigeria’s persistent reliance on imported refined petroleum products, pointing out the irony that Africa’s largest crude oil producer remains vulnerable to global price fluctuations. Reducing transport fares, the NLC noted, is crucial to bringing relief to ordinary citizens.
Demands for a New Wage Standard and Tax Relief
Regarding workers’ remuneration, the NLC argued that the current ₦70,000 minimum wage has already been severely devalued by inflation, even before its full implementation across all sectors. Consequently, the union called for the immediate inauguration of a tripartite committee to negotiate a new wage standard for 2027 before the end of the current year.
Additionally, the NLC accused the government of failing to honor tax relief measures that were agreed upon in a Memorandum of Understanding signed with organized labour in October 2023.
Security Challenges Hindering Economic Recovery
Beyond economic policies, the labour center expressed concern over the country’s worsening security situation, which it warned poses a significant threat to economic recovery. Citing alarming statistics, the NLC reported that nearly 2,000 Nigerians lost their lives to violence during the first quarter of 2026.
The union emphasized that insecurity has made it extremely difficult for farmers, medical doctors, and teachers to perform their duties safely in several parts of the country, further compounding the nation’s economic challenges.