The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has given the Federal Government until Tuesday, October 27, to make meaningful progress on outstanding workers’ demands, warning that organised labour may consider nationwide action if negotiations remain unsuccessful.
The warning followed an inconclusive meeting between government representatives and labour leaders at the Federal Ministry of Labour in Abuja on Thursday.
In a statement issued after the meeting, NLC Acting General Secretary Benson Upah expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the negotiations.
NLC Says Government Came Unprepared for Talks
According to Upah, the discussions ended without an agreement because the government representatives were not adequately prepared to address the issues raised by organised labour.
He alleged that members of the government delegation lacked the authority needed to make binding commitments on the demands.
The labour leader said the meeting failed to produce concrete assurances or an agreed timetable for resolving the outstanding matters.
Upah maintained that workers had already waited for solutions to several economic and employment-related concerns.
He said the NLC remained willing to negotiate but would not accept continued delays without meaningful progress.
Labour Demands Reduction in Petrol Prices
Among the union’s key demands is a reduction in petrol prices to the levels recorded in 2024.
The NLC said the cost of petrol remained an important concern for workers and households struggling with transportation and other living expenses.
The union also demanded fresh negotiations on the national minimum wage.
Labour leaders want the government to revisit wage arrangements in light of economic conditions and the cost of living.
The NLC further called for the implementation of previously agreed tax relief measures intended to ease financial pressure on workers.
NLC Raises JOHESU and Public Sector Allowances
The congress also demanded the implementation of the Terms of Settlement reached with the Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Healthcare Professionals (JOHESU).
The agreement concerns outstanding issues affecting healthcare workers.
Upah said the Federal Government must also address demands submitted through the Joint Public Sector Negotiating Council (JPSNC).
These include unresolved peculiar allowances, wage awards and hazard allowances for eligible public sector workers.
According to the NLC, the government should honour agreements already reached with labour organisations rather than allow implementation to remain uncertain.
Government Requests More Time for Negotiations
Upah disclosed that the Minister of Labour requested an adjournment of the meeting until October 27.
He said the additional time was intended to allow the government to bring together relevant ministers and heads of departments and agencies for further discussions.
The NLC agreed to return to the negotiating table but insisted that the next meeting must produce meaningful commitments.
The union’s statement did not announce a final agreement or indicate that the government had accepted its demands.
NLC Directs State Councils to Prepare for Possible Action
Following the unsuccessful meeting, the labour congress advised its affiliates, state councils and civil society partners to remain alert.
Upah urged them to begin preparations for possible coordinated action if the October 27 negotiations failed to produce satisfactory results.
He said the congress would assess developments at the next meeting before determining its response.
Any decision on nationwide industrial action would be taken by the appropriate organs of the NLC.
The warning therefore represents a mobilisation directive and the possibility of further action, rather than confirmation that a strike has already begun.
Labour Urges Workers to Remain Calm
Despite the disagreement, Upah appealed to Nigerian workers and members of the public to remain calm.
He expressed hope that the government would use the period before the next meeting to prepare a meaningful response to labour’s demands.
The NLC reiterated its commitment to pursuing workers’ welfare and broader economic concerns through lawful means.
Attention will now turn to the October 27 meeting, when government representatives and organised labour are expected to resume discussions.
The outcome could determine whether negotiations continue or the congress moves towards nationwide protests or industrial action.
