The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have threatened possible nationwide industrial action following failed talks with the Federal Government over workers’ demands.
The unions said their next move would depend on the outcome of another meeting scheduled for Tuesday, October 27. They added that their affiliates and state councils had been directed to prepare for possible action if the government failed to make meaningful progress.
The meeting, held at the Federal Ministry of Labour in Abuja on Thursday, focused on 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 NLC General Secretary Benson Upah and TUC Secretary-General Nuhu Toro, organised labour said the government delegation lacked the authority to engage in substantive negotiations on the issues.
“No concrete commitments were secured, and the outstanding issues remain unresolved,” the unions said, expressing disappointment with the outcome of the meeting.
The statement noted that the Minister of Labour sought an adjournment until October 27 to give the government time to prepare and ensure the attendance of relevant ministers and heads of departments and agencies at the next meeting.
The unions reaffirmed their willingness to engage in dialogue but warned against further delays in resolving 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.
Organised labour also called on its affiliates, state councils and civil society allies to stay alert and prepare for possible nationwide action while awaiting the outcome of the next meeting.
However, the unions urged workers and members of the public to remain calm, expressing optimism that the government would address their demands during the rescheduled talks.
The dispute comes amid persistent concerns over the rising cost of living, fuel prices, workers’ purchasing power and the implementation of wage agreements following recent economic reforms.
Nigeria’s minimum wage was raised from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000 under the National Minimum Wage Act, 2024, following negotiations between the Federal Government, organised labour and other stakeholders.
The unions’ renewed demand for wage renegotiation highlights their call for further discussions on workers’ pay and the economic challenges they face.
Organised labour is also demanding the implementation of agreed tax relief measures and the resolution of outstanding disputes involving the Joint Health Sector Unions and the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council.
The demands raised by the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council (JPSNC) include peculiar allowances, wage awards and hazard allowances, while the dispute involving the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) centres on outstanding terms of settlement affecting health workers.
The NLC and TUC said they would participate in the next meeting in hopes of reaching an agreement, adding that their respective organs would decide on possible industrial action if the talks failed to yield meaningful progress.