The Socialist Workers League has backed the Nigeria Labour Congress’ demands for a new national minimum wage and a reduction in petrol prices, urging the Federal Government to address the worsening economic hardship facing Nigerians.
The organisation also expressed support for the NLC’s strike ultimatum, saying the demands of organised labour reflected the concerns of millions of workers struggling with rising living costs.
In a press statement dated October 13, 2026, and signed by its National Chairperson, Kelvin Ayemhenre, and Deputy National Secretary, Lekan Abdulazeez Soneye, the SWL blamed the economic policies of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration for the hardship experienced by workers and other Nigerians.
The organisation said, “The Nigerian working class has been plunged into perpetual and unprecedented hardship by the economic policies and choices of the Tinubu regime.”
It listed rising transportation costs, increasing food prices, unaffordable housing, escalating energy costs and inadequate incomes among the challenges facing workers, women and young people across the country.
The SWL also alleged that the wealth of Nigeria’s richest minority had increased significantly while millions of workers continued to struggle with poverty and worsening living conditions.
According to the organisation, the growing economic gap highlighted the disconnect between the ruling class and working people.
It further accused the government of failing to honour agreements reached through social dialogue and collective bargaining, alleging that official commitments to workers were often violated.
The group also condemned what it described as the intimidation and suppression of workers demanding better living conditions.
The SWL said the resolutions adopted by the NLC’s National Executive Council deserved the support of working people across the country.
It listed a reduction in petrol prices, the commencement of negotiations for a new national minimum wage, the implementation of outstanding agreements with health sector unions and the settlement of unresolved public sector demands among the issues requiring urgent attention.
The SWL these were not merely labour issues. “They are national issues that speak directly to the welfare, dignity, and well-being of millions of Nigerian workers,” the statement said.
The organisation called on the Tinubu administration to respect the NLC’s demands and take immediate steps to improve Nigerians’ living conditions.
It added that the NLC’s resolutions represented not only the demands of organised labour but also the concerns of millions of workers experiencing severe economic hardship.
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