NLC, TUC Threaten Nationwide Strike After Failed Talks

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have threatened possible nationwide industrial action following unsuccessful talks with the Nigerian Government over workers’ demands.

The unions said their next steps would depend on the outcome of another meeting scheduled for Tuesday, October 27, adding that their affiliates and state councils had been directed to prepare for possible action if the government failed to make meaningful progress.

The meeting, held at the Federal Ministry of Labour in Abuja on Thursday, focused on demands for a reduction in petrol prices to 2024 levels, renegotiation of the national minimum wage, implementation of agreed tax relief measures and resolution of outstanding disputes involving health workers and other public servants.

In a joint statement signed by the NLC General Secretary, Benson Upah, and the TUC Secretary-General, Nuhu Toro, organised labour expressed dissatisfaction with the government delegation, which it said lacked the authority to negotiate substantively on the issues raised.

“No concrete commitments were secured, and the outstanding issues remain unresolved,” the unions said.

According to the statement, the Minister of Labour requested that the meeting be adjourned until October 27 to give the government time to prepare adequately and ensure the attendance of relevant ministers and heads of departments and agencies.

The unions said they remained committed to dialogue but would not accept prolonged delays in addressing workers’ concerns.

“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.

Organised labour also urged its affiliates, state councils and civil society allies to remain vigilant and begin preparations for possible nationwide industrial action pending the outcome of the next meeting.

However, the unions appealed to workers and members of the public to remain calm, expressing hope that the government would address their concerns during the rescheduled talks.

Workers Demand Fuel Price Reduction, Wage Review

The dispute comes amid persistent concerns over rising living costs, petrol prices, workers’ purchasing power and the implementation of wage-related agreements following recent economic reforms.

Organised labour is demanding a reduction in petrol prices to levels recorded in 2024, alongside renewed negotiations on the national minimum wage.

Nigeria’s minimum wage was increased from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000 under the National Minimum Wage Act, 2024, following negotiations involving the Nigerian Government, organised labour and other stakeholders.

The unions’ renewed call for wage renegotiation reflects their demand for further discussions on workers’ earnings amid prevailing economic pressures.

Labour is also seeking the implementation of agreed tax relief measures and the resolution of outstanding disputes involving the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council (JPSNC).

The issues raised by the JPSNC include peculiar allowances, wage awards and hazard allowances, while the JOHESU dispute concerns outstanding terms of settlement affecting health-sector workers.

Decision On Strike Awaits October 27 Meeting

The NLC and TUC said they would attend the next meeting in the hope of securing meaningful progress on the outstanding issues.

They maintained that their respective organs would determine the next course of action if the discussions failed to produce satisfactory commitments from the government.

The outcome of Tuesday’s meeting is therefore expected to influence whether organised labour proceeds with nationwide industrial action or continues negotiations with the government.