The Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress have threatened possible nationwide industrial action following unsuccessful negotiations with the Federal Government over workers’ demands.
According to The PUNCH, both labour unions expressed disappointment after Thursday’s meeting at the Federal Ministry of Labour in Abuja failed to produce concrete agreements.
The unions disclosed that another meeting had been scheduled for Tuesday, October 27, to address outstanding concerns.
They warned that industrial action could follow if the government failed to make meaningful progress.
NLC, TUC demand action on workers’ welfare
The negotiations focused on reducing petrol prices to 2024 levels, reviewing the national minimum wage and implementing agreed tax relief measures.
Other issues included unresolved disputes involving health workers and public servants.
In a joint statement, NLC General Secretary Benson Upah and TUC Secretary-General Nuhu Toro criticised the government’s preparedness for the negotiations.
“No concrete commitments were secured, and the outstanding issues remain unresolved,” the unions said.
They alleged that government representatives lacked the authority to make substantive decisions on the workers’ demands.
The labour organisations explained that the Minister of Labour requested an adjournment to allow relevant officials to attend the next meeting.
However, they maintained that workers could no longer tolerate prolonged delays in addressing their concerns.
Labour directs members to prepare for possible action
The unions urged their affiliates, state councils and civil society supporters to remain vigilant ahead of the rescheduled negotiations.
They explained that their respective leadership bodies would determine the next course of action if discussions failed.
The dispute follows growing concerns over rising living costs, fuel prices and workers’ purchasing power.
Nigeria’s minimum wage was increased from N30,000 to N70,000 in 2024, but labour leaders are demanding further negotiations.
Despite the disagreement, both unions assured Nigerians that they remained open to meaningful dialogue.
They urged workers and members of the public to remain calm while awaiting the outcome of Tuesday’s meeting.
