The Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress have warned of possible nationwide industrial action following a deadlock in negotiations with the Federal Government over workers’ welfare and outstanding labour demands.
The unions issued the warning after a meeting with government representatives at the Federal Ministry of Labour in Abuja on Thursday, saying no significant progress had been made on the issues discussed.
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 authority to make substantive decisions on the demands presented.
“No concrete commitments were secured, and the outstanding issues remain unresolved,” the unions said.
The demands include a reduction in petrol prices to 2024 levels, renegotiation of the national minimum wage, implementation of agreed tax relief measures and settlement of outstanding disputes involving health workers and other public servants.
According to the unions, the Minister of Labour requested that the meeting be postponed until Tuesday, October 27, to enable the government to prepare adequately and ensure the attendance of relevant ministers and heads of departments and agencies.
The NLC and TUC said their decision on possible industrial action would depend on the outcome of the rescheduled meeting.
They warned that their respective organs would determine the next course of action if the government failed to demonstrate a commitment to resolving the disputes.
“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.
The unions also directed their affiliate organisations, state councils and civil society allies to remain alert and prepare for possible nationwide action while negotiations continue.
Despite the warning, organised labour said it remained willing to pursue dialogue and urged workers and members of the public to remain calm pending the outcome of the next meeting.
The dispute comes amid persistent concerns over rising living costs, fuel prices and declining purchasing power among Nigerian workers.
The National Minimum Wage Act, 2024, raised the minimum wage from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000 following negotiations between the Federal Government, organised labour and other stakeholders.
However, the unions are seeking further discussions on wages in response to prevailing economic conditions.
Other unresolved issues include demands by the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council for peculiar allowances, wage awards and hazard allowances, as well as outstanding terms of settlement involving the Joint Health Sector Unions.
The NLC and TUC said they would participate in the October 27 meeting in the hope of securing concrete commitments from the government, while leaving open the possibility of industrial action if the discussions fail to produce meaningful results.
