The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has directed its affiliates, state councils and civil society allies to begin mobilising for possible nationwide action after its meeting with the Federal Government ended without resolving workers’ outstanding demands.
The meeting, held at the Ministry of Labour in Abuja on Thursday, October 22, ended without concrete commitments from the government. Organised labour has warned that it will consider its next course of action if the next meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, October 27, fails to produce meaningful progress.
The NLC’s demands include a reduction in petrol prices to 2024 levels, renegotiation of the national minimum wage, implementation of agreed tax relief measures and resolution of the terms of settlement involving the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU).
The congress also wants the government to address issues raised by the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council (JPSNC) concerning peculiar allowances, wage awards and hazard allowances.
NLC Faults Government Delegation
In a statement issued after the meeting and signed by its Acting General Secretary, Benson Upah, the NLC expressed disappointment that the government’s delegation arrived without the necessary mandates to engage substantively on the outstanding issues.
According to the congress, the lack of relevant authorisations prevented the meeting from producing concrete outcomes, leaving workers’ demands unresolved.
The statement said the Minister of Labour requested an adjournment until October 27 to allow the government to prepare adequately for a more productive meeting, with relevant ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) expected to participate.
Labour Warns Against Further Delays
While reaffirming its commitment to dialogue, the NLC warned that it would not accept indefinite delays in addressing workers’ concerns.
The congress said it would report the outcome of Thursday’s meeting to its National Executive Council (NEC) and Central Working Committee (CWC), which would determine the next course of action if the government failed to demonstrate meaningful progress at the rescheduled meeting.
It urged Nigerian workers and members of the public to remain calm, expressing hope that the government would address the outstanding demands at the next session.
However, the labour centre called on its affiliates, state councils and civil society allies to remain on alert and commence mobilisation for possible nationwide action.
The development raises the possibility of further tensions between organised labour and the Federal Government over petrol prices, wage negotiations and unresolved workers’ welfare agreements.
The outcome of Tuesday’s meeting could determine whether both parties reach a negotiated settlement or labour considers industrial action.
The NLC said it remained committed to pursuing the interests of workers and the wider population through all legitimate means.
Petrol Prices Add to Workers’ Concerns
The labour dispute comes as international crude oil prices hover above $100 per barrel, raising concerns about a possible further increase in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol.
Petrol is currently selling at about ₦1,400 per litre, according to the information provided in the report, adding to the economic pressures facing Nigerian households and workers.
The October 27 meeting is expected to be a key test of whether the government and organised labour can resolve the outstanding issues through dialogue.
