Nigeria's two largest labour federations have threatened nationwide industrial action following unsuccessful negotiations with the Federal Government over a range of worker grievances. The Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress held talks with government representatives at the Federal Ministry of Labour in Abuja on Thursday but said no concrete commitments were secured. In a joint statement signed by NLC General Secretary Benson Upah and TUC Secretary-General Nuhu Toro, the unions expressed disappointment that the government delegation lacked the mandate to negotiate substantively on the issues at stake.
The unions are demanding a reduction in petrol prices to 2024 levels, renegotiation of the national minimum wage, implementation of agreed tax relief measures and resolution of outstanding disputes involving health workers and other public servants. The current national minimum wage was increased from 30,000 naira to 70,000 naira under the National Minimum Wage Act of 2024 following earlier negotiations between the Federal Government, organised labour and other stakeholders. The Labour Minister requested an adjournment until October 27 to allow the government to prepare adequately and ensure that relevant ministers and department heads attended the next session.
The unions said they remained open to dialogue but would not accept prolonged delays in addressing workers' concerns. According to the statement, affiliated unions and state councils have been directed to prepare for possible action if the government fails to make meaningful progress. The unions have urged workers and members of the public to remain calm while expressing hope that the government would address their concerns at the rescheduled talks. The NLC and TUC said any decision on industrial action would be taken by their respective organs if the October 27 talks fail to produce meaningful results.
Outstanding disputes include issues raised by the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council concerning peculiar allowances, wage awards and hazard allowances, while the Joint Health Sector Unions dispute concerns outstanding terms of settlement affecting health-sector workers. The renewed calls for wage renegotiation and other demands reflect concerns among organised labour over rising living costs, fuel prices, workers' purchasing power and the implementation of wage-related agreements following recent economic reforms.
For workers and businesses in Nigeria, the threat of industrial action creates uncertainty over potential disruptions to operations and services, while the outcome of talks on wage levels and fuel prices will affect both employment costs for employers and household purchasing power for workers.