The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has directed its affiliates, state councils and civil society allies to begin mobilisation for possible nationwide action following the failure of talks with the Federal Government to resolve workers’ outstanding demands.
The warning came after a meeting between organised labour and the government at the Ministry of Labour in Abuja ended without concrete commitments, leaving key issues affecting workers’ welfare unresolved.
The NLC said it would review its next line of action if the government failed to make meaningful progress at the next meeting scheduled for Tuesday, October 27.
Among the union’s demands are a reduction in petrol prices to 2024 levels, renegotiation of the national minimum wage, implementation of agreed tax relief measures and resolution of the outstanding terms of settlement involving the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU).
Labour is also demanding action on issues raised by the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council, including peculiar allowances, wage awards and hazard allowances.
In a statement signed by its Acting General Secretary, Benson Upah, the NLC expressed disappointment that the government delegation arrived at the meeting without the necessary mandates to negotiate substantively on the outstanding issues.
According to the congress, the lack of authorisation prevented the meeting from producing concrete outcomes, forcing both parties to adjourn further discussions.
The NLC said the Minister of Labour requested the adjournment until October 27 to allow the government to prepare adequately and ensure the participation of relevant ministers and heads of departments and agencies.
Although the congress reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue, it warned that workers would not tolerate indefinite delays in resolving their grievances.
The labour body said it would present the outcome of the meeting to its National Executive Council and Central Working Committee, which would determine the next course of action if the government failed to demonstrate meaningful progress at the rescheduled meeting.
It urged workers and members of the public to remain calm while expressing hope that the government would address the outstanding demands.
However, the NLC directed its affiliates, state councils and civil society allies to remain on alert and commence preparations for possible nationwide action, signalling the potential escalation of tensions between organised labour and the Federal Government.
The dispute comes amid concerns over rising living costs, petrol prices and unresolved wage-related agreements. With petrol reportedly selling at about N1,400 per litre and international crude oil prices hovering above $100 per barrel, the outcome of Tuesday’s meeting could prove crucial in determining whether the parties reach a settlement or labour moves towards industrial action.
The NLC maintained that it remained committed to defending the interests of Nigerian workers and the wider population through all legitimate means.
