By Opeyemi Adelakun
The Nigeria Labour Congress has thrown its weight behind demands by public sector workers for a N500,000 minimum wage, an immediate wage award and a reduction in petrol prices to N500 per litre.
The demands were contained in a letter to President Bola Tinubu by the Trade Union Side of the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council, which also called for the immediate commencement of negotiations on a new national minimum wage ahead of January 2027.
The workers said the recent increase in petrol prices to about N1,430 per litre or higher in some locations had further worsened the cost-of-living crisis confronting Nigerian workers and their families.
They gave the Federal Government until Wednesday, September 30, 2026, to respond to their demands, warning that the worsening economic situation was creating tension among workers and the wider population.
The negotiating council comprises several public-sector unions, including the Nigerian Civil Service Union, Medical and Health Workers Union, Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, and National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives.
Other affiliated unions include the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Employees, Nigeria Union of Public Service, Reportorial, Secretarial, Data Processors and Allied Workers, National Union of Printing, Publishing and Paper Products Workers, and National Union of Agriculture and Allied Employees.
The unions argued that the removal of fuel subsidy had contributed to a sharp rise in petrol prices, which in turn increased the cost of essential goods and services.
They rejected reliance on food palliatives as a long-term solution, arguing that such interventions did not address the underlying economic pressures facing workers.
Instead, the council proposed a reduction of petrol prices to N500 per litre, saying lower fuel costs would have wider effects on transportation, food prices and other areas of the economy.
The workers also called for the establishment of an intervention fund for stakeholders in the oil sector to help stabilise petrol prices.
According to the council, such an intervention would provide broader relief across the country, while allowing government to address the immediate pressure created by high fuel costs.
Workers Seek N500,000 Minimum Wage
On remuneration, the JNPSNC proposed that the minimum salary for an officer on Grade Level 01, Step 1, should be N500,000 per month under the proposed 2027 salary structure.
It also called for harmonised wages across ministries, departments and agencies, while urging states and local governments to undertake corresponding reviews.
The council further demanded an immediate wage award and upward review of salaries and allowances for federal, state and local government workers.
It urged the President to direct the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission to commence discussions with the NLC, Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, JNPSNC and other relevant stakeholders.
The council said improved remuneration was necessary to restore workers’ purchasing power, improve productivity and service delivery, promote accountability and strengthen industrial harmony.
NLC Supports Workers’ Demands
The NLC backed the workers’ demands, describing them as realistic and legitimate.
The Congress’ Acting General Secretary, Benson Upah, said the demand for a wage award and reduction in petrol prices was long overdue.
According to him, workers’ salaries had remained largely static while inflation continued to erode their purchasing power.
Upah said the impact of high petrol prices extended beyond workers, affecting transportation, food, school fees and other essential expenses.
He said Nigerians needed urgent intervention to cushion the effects of the prevailing socio-economic difficulties.
The NLC also cited its President, Joe Ajaero, as advocating measures including the sale of sufficient crude oil in naira to local refineries and expansion of national petroleum storage capacity.
The labour position further called for measures that would strengthen domestic refining, create jobs and provide a buffer against fluctuations in international oil prices.
The JNPSNC maintained that government intervention should provide sustainable relief while addressing the underlying causes of the current cost-of-living pressures.
Leave a Reply