The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have warned of possible nationwide industrial action following inconclusive talks with the Federal Government over workers’ demands.
The unions said their next move would depend on the outcome of a fresh meeting scheduled for Tuesday, October 27, directing their affiliates and state councils to prepare for possible industrial action if the government fails to make meaningful progress.
The meeting, held at the Federal Ministry of Labour in Abuja on Thursday, addressed labour’s demands for a reduction in petrol prices to 2024 levels, renegotiation of the national minimum wage, implementation of agreed tax relief measures and resolution of outstanding disputes involving health workers and other public servants.
In a joint statement signed by the NLC General Secretary, Benson Upah, and the TUC Secretary-General, Nuhu Toro, organised labour said the government delegation lacked the authority to negotiate substantively on the issues raised.
“No concrete commitments were secured, and the outstanding issues remain unresolved,” the unions said, expressing disappointment with the outcome of the meeting.
According to the statement, the Minister of Labour requested an adjournment until October 27 to give the government time to prepare adequately and ensure the attendance of relevant ministers and heads of departments and agencies at the next session.
The unions said they remained committed to dialogue but warned against further delays in addressing workers’ concerns.
“We will report back to our organs, and if no meaningful progress is made on Tuesday, the relevant organs of the NLC will decide the next line of action,” the statement added.
Labour also urged its affiliates, state councils and civil society allies to remain vigilant and begin preparations for possible nationwide action pending the outcome of the next meeting.
However, the unions appealed to workers and members of the public to remain calm, expressing hope that the government would address their concerns during the rescheduled talks.
Dispute centres on wages, fuel prices, tax relief
The dispute comes amid persistent concerns over the rising cost of living, petrol prices, declining purchasing power and the implementation of wage-related agreements following recent economic reforms.
Nigeria’s national minimum wage was increased from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000 under the National Minimum Wage Act, 2024, following negotiations involving the Federal Government, organised labour and other stakeholders.
Labour’s renewed demand for wage renegotiation reflects its push for further discussions on workers’ earnings amid continuing economic pressures.
The unions are also seeking the implementation of agreed tax relief measures and the resolution of outstanding disputes involving the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council (JPSNC).
The JPSNC’s outstanding issues include peculiar allowances, wage awards and hazard allowances, while the JOHESU dispute concerns unresolved terms of settlement affecting health-sector workers.
The NLC and TUC said they would participate in the October 27 meeting in the hope of securing concrete commitments from the government.
They warned, however, that their respective organs would determine the next course of action if the talks failed to produce meaningful results.
