The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has begun preparations for possible nationwide industrial action following an unsuccessful meeting with the Federal Government over rising living costs, minimum wage negotiations and outstanding workers’ welfare demands.
The labour union has instructed its affiliate organisations, state councils and civil society partners to remain on standby and intensify mobilisation ahead of another round of discussions scheduled for October 27.
The warning followed a meeting held at the Ministry of Labour in Abuja, where government representatives failed to make concrete commitments towards resolving the issues presented by organised labour.
In a statement signed by its Acting General Secretary, Benson Upah, the NLC expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the negotiations, alleging that its delegation lacked the necessary authority to make substantive decisions on the workers’ demands.
The Federal Government reportedly requested that the meeting be postponed until October 27 to allow relevant ministries, departments and agencies to prepare adequately for further discussions.
Among the union’s major demands are a reduction in petrol prices to levels recorded in 2024, renewed negotiations on the national minimum wage, implementation of previously agreed tax relief measures and settlement of outstanding issues involving the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU).
The congress is also seeking the resolution of disputes concerning peculiar allowances, wage awards and hazard allowances raised by the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council.
Although the NLC maintained that dialogue remains its preferred approach, it warned that workers would not tolerate prolonged delays in addressing their concerns. The outcome of the next meeting, it said, would help determine whether further negotiations remain viable or stronger measures become necessary.
The union plans to present the latest developments to its National Executive Council and Central Working Committee, which will decide on the next steps if the government fails to demonstrate meaningful progress.
The threat comes amid mounting pressure on Nigerian households as petrol prices remain around ₦1,400 per litre, while international crude oil prices have climbed above $100 per barrel, raising concerns about further increases in domestic fuel costs.
With the October 27 meeting approaching, the Federal Government faces renewed pressure to address labour’s demands and prevent a fresh confrontation with organised workers. Failure to reach an agreement could heighten the possibility of industrial action with implications for public services and economic activities nationwide.
