From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have threatened possible nationwide action if the Federal Government fails to address workers’ demands at a meeting scheduled for October 27.
The unions issued the warning after a meeting with the federal government in Abuja on Thursday ended without resolution.
In a joint press release signed by NLC General Secretary Benson Upah and TUC Secretary-General Nuhu Toro, organised labour accused the government delegation of coming to the meeting without the necessary mandate to negotiate on the issues presented.
The unions said no concrete commitments were secured, leaving the outstanding demands unresolved.
They said the meeting, held at the Ministry of Labour, was adjourned to Tuesday, October 27, at the request of the Minister of Labour, who sought more time for the government to prepare for a productive engagement.
According to the unions, the government is expected to assemble relevant ministers and heads of departments and agencies for the next meeting.
Labour’s demands include a reduction in petrol prices to 2024 levels, renegotiation of the national minimum wage and implementation of the agreed tax relief.
The unions also demanded implementation of the terms of settlement reached with the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), as well as the demands of the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council (JPSNC) on peculiar allowance, wage award and hazard allowance.
The NLC and TUC said they remained committed to dialogue but warned against further delays in resolving the issues.
They said their respective organs would determine the next line of action if the 27 October meeting failed to produce meaningful progress.
The unions also urged workers and members of the public to remain calm, while directing their affiliates, state councils and civil society allies to begin mobilisation for possible nationwide action.
The statement read: “The meeting between the Federal Government and organised labour, convened at the Ministry of Labour in Abuja on 22 October 2026, has ended without resolution. Labour presented its demands in good faith, including a reduction in petrol prices to 2024 levels, renegotiation of the national minimum wage, implementation of the agreed tax relief, the JOHESU terms of settlement, and the JPSNC demands on peculiar allowance, wage award and hazard allowance.
“Regrettably, the government delegation came unprepared and without the necessary mandates to engage substantively on these issues. No concrete commitments were secured, and the outstanding issues remain unresolved.
“The Honourable Minister requested adjournment of the meeting to Tuesday, 27 October 2026, to allow the government to make adequate arrangements for a productive session including assembling all the relevant ministers and heads of departments and agencies. NLC remains committed to dialogue, but we will not accept indefinite delay. 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.
“We call on Nigerian workers and the general public to remain calm and resolute. Organised Labour will be attending the next meeting believing that government will deliver on each of the workers’ demands. We assure all that we shall continue to pursue the interests of workers and the masses through every legitimate means available.
“However, we urge all affiliates of NLC and TUC, all state councils and our civil society allies to be at alert and start mobilising for a possible action across the nation while we hope that the tenets of our demands are met by the government.”