Organised labour has begun preparations for possible nationwide action over petrol prices, minimum wage renegotiation and other workers’ demands after talks with the Federal Government ended without an agreement.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) directed their state councils, affiliates and civil society allies to remain on alert and mobilise ahead of a fresh meeting scheduled for Tuesday, October 27.
In a joint statement, labour said its meeting with the government on October 22 failed to produce concrete commitments because the government delegation arrived without the necessary mandate to negotiate the outstanding issues.
The unions said their demands included a reduction in petrol prices to 2024 levels, renegotiation of the national minimum wage, implementation of agreed tax relief and settlement of issues affecting health workers under the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU).
They also listed demands by the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council on peculiar allowances, wage awards and hazard allowances.
“Regrettably, the government delegation came unprepared and without the necessary mandates to engage substantively on these issues. No concrete commitments were secured, and the outstanding issues remain unresolved,” the statement, signed by NLC Acting Secretary-General Benson Upah, said.
According to the unions, the Federal Government requested that the meeting be adjourned to October 27 to allow it to make adequate preparations, including bringing relevant ministers and heads of departments and agencies to the negotiating table.
Labour said it remained open to dialogue but warned that it would not tolerate indefinite delays.
“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 unions urged workers and members of the public to remain calm while promising to pursue their demands through legitimate means.
They said their decision on further action would depend on the outcome of Tuesday’s meeting.
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