Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have warned of possible nationwide industrial action following unsuccessful negotiations with the Federal Government over fuel prices, minimum wage and outstanding workers’ welfare demands.
The labour unions issued the warning after a meeting with government representatives at the Federal Ministry of Labour in Abuja on Thursday, October 22, 2026, ended without concrete commitments to resolve the disputes.
In a joint statement signed by NLC General Secretary Benson Upah and TUC Secretary-General Nuhu Toro, organised labour said the government delegation lacked the authority to negotiate substantively on the issues presented.
“No concrete commitments were secured, and the outstanding issues remain unresolved,” the unions said.
The discussions covered demands for a reduction in petrol prices to 2024 levels, renegotiation of the national minimum wage, implementation of agreed tax relief measures and settlement of outstanding disputes affecting health workers and other public servants.
Following the inconclusive meeting, the Minister of Labour requested that the negotiations be adjourned until Tuesday, October 27, to allow the government to prepare and ensure the participation of relevant ministers and heads of departments and agencies.
The NLC and TUC said their next steps would depend on the outcome of the rescheduled meeting, warning that continued delays without meaningful progress could trigger further action.
“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 have directed their affiliates and state councils to remain vigilant and prepare for possible nationwide industrial action while negotiations continue. They also called on their civil society allies to support their efforts to secure a resolution.
Despite the warning, organised labour said it remained open to dialogue and urged workers and members of the public to remain calm ahead of the next meeting.
The dispute comes amid continuing concerns over the rising cost of living, petrol prices and the declining purchasing power of workers following recent economic reforms. Labour is seeking a review of wage arrangements to address the financial pressures facing employees.
Nigeria’s national 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. The unions are now demanding further discussions on wages in light of prevailing economic conditions.
Other unresolved matters include disputes involving the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council (JPSNC). The JPSNC issues include peculiar allowances, wage awards and hazard allowances, while the JOHESU dispute concerns outstanding terms of settlement affecting health-sector workers.
The NLC and TUC said they would participate in the October 27 meeting in the hope of securing concrete commitments, but maintained that their respective decision-making bodies would determine the next course of action if the negotiations failed to produce meaningful results.
