ABUJA: The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) have threatened possible nationwide action over rising economic hardship, petrol prices and unresolved workers’ welfare demands following a deadlock in negotiations with the Federal Government.
The two labour centres issued the warning after a meeting with the government delegation at the Ministry of Labour in Abuja on Thursday, October 22, ended without concrete commitments on their demands.
Organised labour has given the Federal Government until Tuesday, October 27, to make meaningful progress, warning that failure to address the outstanding issues could trigger further action.
In a joint statement signed by NLC Acting General Secretary Benson Upah and TUC Secretary-General Nuhu Toro, the unions expressed disappointment with the government delegation, which they accused of attending the meeting without adequate preparation or the authority required to negotiate substantive agreements.
The statement said no concrete commitments were secured, leaving the workers’ demands unresolved.
According to the unions, the Minister of Labour requested an adjournment until October 27 to allow the government to make proper arrangements and involve relevant ministers, departmental officials and heads of agencies.
Among the key demands presented by organised labour is a reduction in petrol prices to the levels recorded in 2024, alongside the renegotiation of the national minimum wage.
The unions are also demanding the implementation of agreed tax relief measures intended to ease the financial burden on workers and other Nigerians struggling with the rising cost of living.
Other outstanding issues include the implementation of the terms of settlement involving the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and the resolution of demands raised by the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council (JPSNC).
These demands cover peculiar allowances, wage awards and hazard allowances for affected public servants.
The labour centres maintained that the issues were central to workers’ welfare and required urgent government attention rather than repeated postponements.
Following the failed negotiations, the NLC and TUC directed their affiliate unions, state councils and civil society allies to begin mobilising members and preparing for possible nationwide action.
However, the unions have not declared an immediate strike. Their next steps will depend on the outcome of the scheduled October 27 meeting and whether the government demonstrates a willingness to resolve the outstanding demands.
The labour centres said they remained committed to dialogue but would not accept indefinite delays in addressing issues affecting workers and the wider population.
They also urged Nigerian workers and members of the public to remain calm while maintaining their resolve to demand better economic conditions.
The NLC said it would report the outcome of the meeting to its relevant organs, which would determine the next course of action if meaningful progress was not achieved.
The next meeting between the Federal Government and organised labour is expected to determine whether negotiations can avert a possible escalation.
The outcome could have wider implications for workers, businesses and commuters, particularly if the unions decide to pursue nationwide industrial action.
With petrol prices, wages, tax relief and unpaid or outstanding allowances among the contentious issues, the negotiations come amid continuing concerns about the cost of living and the purchasing power of Nigerian households.
For now, the NLC and TUC have left the door open for further dialogue but signalled that preparations for possible nationwide action will continue until the government provides meaningful responses to their demands.
