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The NLC and TUC have placed affiliates, state councils and civil society allies on alert for possible nationwide industrial action after Thursday’s meeting with the Federal Government ended without agreement.
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Organised labour accused the government delegation of arriving without the mandate to negotiate demands covering petrol price reduction, minimum wage renegotiation, tax relief and outstanding workers’ benefits.
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Labour is demanding that petrol prices be reduced to 2024 levels, alongside action on JOHESU agreements and JPSNC demands covering peculiar allowance, wage award and hazard allowance.
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Talks have been adjourned until Tuesday, October 27, with the unions warning that failure to secure tangible commitments at the next meeting could trigger a decision on nationwide action.
October 22, (THEWILL) – The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have put workers across the country on alert for possible nationwide industrial action after negotiations with the Federal Government over petrol prices, minimum wage renegotiation, tax relief and outstanding workers’ benefits ended in a deadlock on Thursday.
The two labour centres accused the Federal Government delegation of appearing at the meeting without the necessary mandate to negotiate or make concrete commitments on the demands presented by organised labour.
THEWILL reports that the meeting, held at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment in Abuja, ended without an agreement and was adjourned until Tuesday, October 27, to allow the government to return with relevant ministers, heads of departments and agencies and officials empowered to negotiate.
In a joint statement issued on Thursday and signed by NLC General Secretary, Comrade Benson Upah, and TUC Secretary-General, Comrade Nuhu Toro, the unions expressed disappointment over the outcome of the talks.
“Regrettably, the government delegation came unprepared and without the necessary mandates to engage substantively on these issues. No concrete commitments were secured, and the outstanding issues remain unresolved,” the statement said.
According to the labour centres, the unresolved demands include a reduction in the pump price of petrol to 2024 levels, renegotiation of the national minimum wage, implementation of agreed tax relief measures and resolution of outstanding matters affecting workers in the health sector.
The unions also demanded implementation of the terms of settlement reached with the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), as well as resolution of demands by the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council (JPSNC) relating to peculiar allowance, wage award and hazard allowance.
Organised labour said the Minister of Labour requested the adjournment to enable the government to prepare adequately for the next meeting and ensure the attendance of officials whose presence would be necessary to make binding decisions.
While accepting another round of talks, the NLC and TUC warned that they would not tolerate an indefinite delay in resolving the issues.
“NLC remains committed to dialogue, but we will not accept indefinite delay,” the unions said.
They said the leadership of the two congresses would brief their respective organs on the outcome of Thursday’s meeting, while the appropriate structures would determine the next course of action should the October 27 negotiations fail to produce tangible results.
In a signal that organised labour is preparing for a possible confrontation, the unions directed affiliates, state councils and civil society allies nationwide to remain on alert and begin mobilisation.
“However, we urge all affiliates of NLC and TUC; all state councils and our civil society allies to be at alert and start mobilizing for a possible action across the nation while we hope that the tenets of our demands are met by the government,” the statement said.
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Background
The latest dispute comes amid sustained pressure by organised labour on the Federal Government over the cost of living and the erosion of workers’ purchasing power, particularly following successive increases in petrol prices.
The NLC had earlier given the government a two-week ultimatum over the petrol price dispute, insisting that the rising cost of fuel was worsening transportation and household expenses and undermining the value of workers’ wages.
The current national minimum wage of N70,000, introduced in 2024, has also returned to the centre of labour-government negotiations as the unions push for its renegotiation in response to economic conditions and the rising cost of essential goods and services.
Thursday’s inconclusive meeting has now shifted attention to October 27, which could prove decisive in determining whether the dispute remains at the negotiating table or escalates into nationwide industrial action.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
