The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the Federal Government to introduce a nationwide wage award, reduce petrol prices and commence negotiations for a new national minimum wage, citing the declining purchasing power of Nigerian workers.

The labour union made the demands in an Independence Day statement signed by its President, Joe Ajaero, on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, ahead of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

In the statement titled “Our Hope Depends on the Choices We Make and the Actions We Take,” the NLC said rising inflation, increasing transportation costs and stagnant wages had worsened the economic hardship facing workers and other Nigerians.

The union said petrol prices had risen to about ₦1,430 per litre or higher in major cities, with even higher prices in some remote areas, contributing to increased costs of food, rent, education and other essential goods and services.

According to the NLC, the rising cost of transportation has become a major driver of inflation, making it increasingly difficult for workers to meet their basic needs.

The labour centre therefore urged the government to take immediate steps to reduce petrol prices, arguing that doing so would help ease the financial burden on households and businesses.

The NLC also demanded the immediate implementation of a nationwide wage award for workers across federal, state and local government institutions.

Describing the proposed wage award as an emergency intervention, the union said it was necessary to cushion the impact of inflation on workers’ incomes.

“A wage award is not charity. It is an emergency intervention against the collapse of real income,” the union said.

The demand comes amid concerns over the implementation of the ₦35,000 monthly wage award agreed upon by the Federal Government and organised labour in October 2023 following the removal of the petrol subsidy.

The union also called for the implementation of tax relief measures contained in the agreement reached with the government during the same period.

On the national minimum wage, the NLC demanded the immediate establishment of a tripartite committee comprising the government, employers and organised labour to negotiate a new wage structure for 2027.

It argued that the current ₦70,000 minimum wage had lost much of its purchasing power due to inflation, even before its implementation.

The union urged the government to ensure that negotiations begin immediately and that a new minimum wage is formulated and legislated before the end of 2026.

The ₦70,000 national minimum wage was approved by President Bola Tinubu in July 2024 following negotiations with organised labour.

Beyond wages and fuel prices, the NLC called for a reduction in the cost of governance and greater transparency in public spending.

It argued that the government should demonstrate financial discipline and prioritise investments in infrastructure, including roads, hospitals and schools, to improve living conditions.

The labour union also expressed concern about unemployment, poverty and insecurity, urging the government to create more economic opportunities for young Nigerians.

It maintained that addressing these challenges was necessary to improve workers’ welfare and ensure that the benefits of Nigeria’s independence translate into better living conditions.

The NLC’s demands come as Nigeria marks 66 years of independence amid continuing debates over economic reforms, workers’ welfare and the rising cost of living.