The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has given the Federal Government a two-week deadline to lower petrol prices, renegotiate the national minimum wage and fulfil outstanding agreements with workers.

The labour union issued the ultimatum after a joint meeting of its National Executive Council and Central Working Committee in Abuja, warning that failure to address its demands would trigger further action.

In a communiqué signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero and released on Thursday, the union said rising inflation, the weakening purchasing power of the naira and increasing living costs had worsened the economic conditions of Nigerian workers.

The NLC argued that the current national minimum wage of N70,000 was no longer sufficient to cover essential expenses, including food, housing, healthcare, transportation and education.

It called on the Federal Government to begin renegotiating the minimum wage before the end of October, insisting that workers needed better pay to cope with prevailing economic realities.

The union also wants petrol prices reduced nationwide to the levels recorded when the current minimum wage was signed into law in 2024.

According to the NLC, rising fuel costs have increased transportation expenses and pushed up the prices of food and other essential goods, placing additional pressure on households.

Beyond fuel prices and wages, the labour body is demanding tax relief for workers in line with previous agreements with the government, as well as the immediate payment of outstanding wage awards.

The union also called for the implementation of the settlement reached with the Joint Health Sector Unions and the Assembly of Healthcare Professionals on February 5, 2026.

It further urged the government to fulfil outstanding commitments involving the Joint Public Sector Negotiating Council.

The NLC maintained that workers should not continue to bear the burden of economic reforms without adequate measures to ease their financial difficulties.

The union did not announce a specific date for a strike but warned that failure to meet its demands within two weeks would compel it to take further steps as directed by its relevant organs.

It urged its affiliates and allies to remain prepared for possible action if the government fails to respond to the ultimatum.

The development adds to growing pressure on the Federal Government to address the rising cost of living and improve the welfare of Nigerian workers.