The Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress have warned of possible nationwide industrial action following unsuccessful talks with the Federal Government over workers’ demands.
The unions said their next steps would depend on the outcome of another meeting scheduled for Tuesday, October 27, adding 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, addressed 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 mandate required to negotiate substantively 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.
According to the statement, the Minister of Labour requested an adjournment until October 27 to allow the government to prepare adequately and ensure that relevant ministers and heads of departments and agencies attended the next session.
The unions said they remained open to dialogue but would not accept prolonged 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.
The unions, however, appealed to workers and members of the public to remain calm, expressing hope that the government would address their concerns at the rescheduled talks.
The dispute comes amid continuing concerns over rising living costs, fuel prices, workers’ purchasing power and the implementation of wage-related agreements following recent economic reforms.
Nigeria’s 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.
The unions’ renewed call for wage renegotiation reflects their demand for further discussions on pay and the economic pressures facing workers.
Organised labour is also seeking 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 issues raised by the JPSNC include peculiar allowances, wage awards and hazard allowances, while the JOHESU dispute concerns outstanding terms of settlement affecting health-sector workers.
The NLC and TUC said they would attend the next meeting in the hope of securing progress, with any decision on industrial action to be taken by their respective organs if the talks fail to produce meaningful results.