NLC, TUC Threaten Nationwide Strike After Failed Meeting With FG

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have threatened possible nationwide industrial action following a meeting with the Federal Government that ended without an agreement on workers’ demands.

The two labour centres said they would consider their next line of action if the government failed to make meaningful progress at a follow-up meeting scheduled for Tuesday, October 27.

Recall that POLITICS NIGERIA earlier reported that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) had issued a two-week ultimatum to the Federal Government to address its demands, including a reduction in petrol prices, renegotiation of the minimum wage and implementation of agreed tax relief measures.

The union warned that failure to meet its demands within the stipulated period could trigger industrial action.

They have also directed their affiliate unions and state councils to prepare for possible industrial action while negotiations continue.

The development followed a meeting held at the Federal Ministry of Labour in Abuja on Thursday, where representatives of organised labour met government officials to discuss issues affecting workers across the country.

The meeting focused on several demands, including a reduction in petrol prices to levels recorded in 2024, renegotiation of the national minimum wage, implementation of agreed tax relief measures and the resolution of outstanding disputes involving health workers and other public servants.

However, the unions said the government delegation did not have the authority needed to make firm decisions on the issues presented during the discussions.

They expressed disappointment that the meeting ended without any concrete agreement.

“No concrete commitments were secured, and the outstanding issues remain unresolved,” the unions said in a joint statement signed by the NLC General Secretary, Benson Upah, and the TUC Secretary-General, Nuhu Toro.

According to organised labour, the Minister of Labour requested that the meeting be adjourned until October 27.

The proposed delay was to give the government more time to prepare and ensure that relevant ministers, heads of departments and agencies attended the next session with the necessary authority to negotiate.

The unions said they accepted the adjournment but warned that workers would not tolerate repeated delays without tangible results.

They maintained that the next meeting would be important in determining whether negotiations could resolve the dispute or whether labour would consider stronger measures.

“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.

The warning has raised the possibility of a nationwide labour confrontation if the parties fail to reach an agreement.

However, the unions have not announced a definite strike date. Any decision on industrial action will depend on the outcome of the next meeting and the position taken by their respective decision-making bodies.

Organised labour also called on its affiliate unions, state councils and civil society allies to remain vigilant and begin preparations for possible nationwide action.

The directive indicates that the unions are keeping their options open while allowing the government another opportunity to address their demands.

Despite the warning, the NLC and TUC appealed to workers and members of the public to remain calm.

They said they remained willing to engage with the government and hoped that the rescheduled meeting would produce concrete commitments on the outstanding issues.

The disagreement comes amid continuing pressure on Nigerian workers over the cost of living, transportation, food prices and other essential expenses.

Labour unions have repeatedly raised concerns about the effect of economic reforms on workers’ purchasing power, particularly as households struggle to meet basic needs.

Petrol prices remain a central issue in the dispute.

Organised labour is demanding a reduction to levels recorded in 2024, arguing that fuel costs have implications for transportation, food distribution, business operations and the general cost of living.

An increase in the price of petrol often affects transport fares and the cost of moving goods, placing additional pressure on household budgets.

The unions are also seeking a renegotiation of the national minimum wage.

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

However, the increase has not removed labour’s concerns about the purchasing power of workers amid rising living expenses.

The latest demand for renegotiation places wages and the ability of workers to meet their daily needs among the central issues expected to feature in the next round of talks.

Another major concern is the implementation of tax relief measures previously agreed upon by the parties.

Labour wants the government to honour its commitments on tax-related relief as part of efforts to ease the financial pressure on workers.

The unions are also demanding the resolution of disputes involving the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council (JPSNC) and the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU).

These disputes concern outstanding employment-related agreements and conditions of service affecting workers in different parts of the public sector.

Issues raised by the JPSNC include peculiar allowances, wage awards and hazard allowances.

Labour wants the government to address the outstanding matters and implement agreements reached with workers’ representatives.