The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has directed its affiliate unions, state councils and civil society allies to begin mobilisation for possible nationwide industrial action following a meeting with the Federal Government that ended without a resolution of workers’ demands.
The meeting, held at the Ministry of Labour in Abuja on Thursday, failed to produce concrete commitments from the government. The NLC said the government’s delegation lacked the necessary authorisation to negotiate substantively on the issues raised.
The union is demanding a reduction in petrol prices to 2024 levels, renegotiation of the national minimum wage, implementation of agreed tax relief measures and resolution of outstanding agreements involving health sector workers. It also called for the settlement of issues concerning peculiar allowances, wage awards and hazard allowances raised by the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council.
In a statement signed by its Acting General Secretary, Benson Upah, the NLC said the Minister of Labour requested an adjournment until Tuesday, October 27, to allow the government prepare for further discussions with the participation of relevant ministries, departments and agencies.
The congress reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue but warned that it would not tolerate indefinite delays in addressing workers’ welfare concerns. It said the outcome of the meeting would be presented to its National Executive Council and Central Working Committee, which would determine the next course of action if the government failed to make meaningful progress.
The NLC urged workers and members of the public to remain calm while directing its affiliates and state councils to stay alert and continue preparations for possible nationwide action.
The development comes amid rising concerns over fuel prices, with international crude oil prices trading above $100 per barrel and petrol selling at about ₦1,400 per litre. The outcome of the October 27 meeting is expected to determine whether the dispute will be resolved through dialogue or escalate into industrial action.
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