Susan Abayomi
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have directed their affiliates and state councils to begin mobilisation for possible nationwide action following a deadlock in negotiations with the Federal Government over petrol prices, workers’ wages and other outstanding demands.
The unions warned that the next round of discussions, scheduled for October 27, must produce tangible progress, insisting that workers would not tolerate further delays in resolving the issues.
In a joint statement signed by NLC General Secretary, Benson Upah, and TUC Secretary-General, Nuhu Toro, organised labour accused the Federal Government’s delegation of attending Thursday’s meeting in Abuja without the necessary authority to negotiate substantive agreements.
The unions are demanding a reduction in petrol prices to their 2024 levels, renegotiation of the national minimum wage and implementation of previously agreed tax relief measures.
Their demands also include implementing the terms of settlement reached with the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and resolving outstanding issues raised by the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council (JPSNC) concerning peculiar allowances, wage awards and hazard allowances.
According to the statement, the meeting, held at the Federal Ministry of Labour, was adjourned at the request of the Minister of Labour to allow the government to assemble relevant ministers and heads of departments and agencies for substantive negotiations.
The unions expressed disappointment over what they described as the government’s lack of preparedness, noting that the meeting ended without concrete commitments on the issues presented.
They said the minister requested that discussions resume on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, with the expectation that the government would make adequate arrangements for a productive engagement.
While reaffirming their commitment to dialogue, organised labour warned that negotiations could not continue indefinitely without meaningful outcomes.
The NLC stated that it would report back to its relevant organs and allow them to determine the next course of action if the forthcoming meeting failed to produce satisfactory progress.
The unions also called on workers and members of the public to remain calm while urging their affiliates, state councils and civil society allies to stay prepared for possible industrial action.
They maintained that their participation in the next meeting would be guided by the expectation that the government would address the outstanding demands.
Organised labour reiterated its commitment to pursuing the interests of Nigerian workers and the wider population through legitimate means, while warning that continued delays could heighten tensions between the unions and the government.
The outcome of the October 27 meeting is expected to determine whether negotiations will continue or organised labour will consider further action over the unresolved issues.
