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Nigeria’s organised labour movement has warned of possible nationwide industrial action if the Federal Government fails to address its demands on petrol prices, workers’ wages and other welfare concerns at a meeting scheduled for Tuesday, October 27.
The warning came after discussions between the government and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) ended without an agreement in Abuja on Thursday.
The unions are demanding a reduction in petrol prices to the levels recorded in 2024, fresh negotiations on the national minimum wage and the implementation of previously agreed tax relief measures. They are also pressing for the resolution of outstanding disputes affecting health workers and other public servants.
In a joint statement signed by NLC General Secretary Benson Upah and TUC Secretary-General Nuhu Toro, organised labour expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome of the meeting, alleging that the government delegation lacked the authority needed to make concrete decisions on the issues presented.
The unions said the Minister of Labour requested that the discussions be postponed until October 27 to give the government time to prepare adequately and ensure the participation of relevant ministers and heads of government agencies.
Beyond fuel prices and minimum wage negotiations, labour is seeking the implementation of outstanding agreements with the Joint Health Sector Unions, as well as the resolution of issues concerning special allowances, wage awards and hazard allowances raised by the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council.
Organised labour has directed its affiliated unions, state councils and civil society allies to remain on alert and begin preparations for possible nationwide action while awaiting the outcome of the next meeting. The unions, however, maintained that dialogue remained their preferred option for resolving the dispute.
The NLC and TUC urged workers and members of the public to remain calm, expressing hope that the government would address their concerns at the rescheduled meeting. They warned that failure to achieve meaningful progress could prompt their respective leadership structures to determine the next course of action.
