The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and civil servants under the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council have demanded a new national minimum wage of ₦500,000 and a reduction in petrol prices to ₦500 per litre.

In a letter to President Bola Tinubu, the council’s National Secretary, Olowoyo Gbenga, also called for the immediate establishment of a committee to negotiate a new minimum wage ahead of January 2027.

The workers said the increase in petrol prices to about ₦1,430 per litre in some locations had further worsened the cost-of-living crisis, affecting workers and their families.

They gave the Federal Government until September 30, 2026, to respond to their demands, warning that the prevailing economic hardship was creating growing tension among workers and Nigerians.

The council said the removal of fuel subsidy had contributed to higher petrol prices and increased the cost of essential goods and services.

It also argued that food palliatives, including rice, noodles, vegetable oil and garri, were not a sustainable solution, calling instead for measures that would provide lasting relief for workers and other Nigerians.