NLC, TUC give FG October 27 deadline after talks end in deadlock
- Labour and the Federal Government met in Abuja on Thursday without reaching agreement on workers' demands.
- The unions want petrol prices cut to 2024 levels and the minimum wage renegotiated, among other demands.
- Affiliates and state councils have been told to prepare for possible nationwide action if Tuesday's talks fail.
Talks between the Federal Government and organised labour ended without agreement in Abuja on Thursday, with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) giving the government until Tuesday, October 27, to show real progress on workers' demands.
The meeting held at the Ministry of Labour. In a joint statement, the unions said the government team came without the authority to make commitments on the issues raised.
"Regrettably, the government delegation came unprepared and without the necessary mandates to engage substantively on these issues," the statement said. "No concrete commitments were secured, and the outstanding issues remain unresolved."
The statement was signed by the NLC's acting general secretary, Benson Upah, and the TUC secretary-general, Nuhu Toro.
What workers are asking for
The unions want petrol prices brought back to 2024 levels, a fresh look at the national minimum wage, and the tax relief measures already agreed to be implemented.
They are also pressing for the terms of settlement reached with the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) to be honoured, and for the demands of the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council (JPSNC) to be settled. Those include peculiar allowance, wage award and hazard allowance.
The minimum wage was raised from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000 under the National Minimum Wage Act, 2024. Labour's call to reopen that negotiation reflects how far pay has fallen behind prices since then.
For an ordinary worker, the outcome matters directly: what a litre of petrol costs, what a salary can buy, and whether allowances already promised actually arrive.
What happens next
The Minister of Labour asked for the meeting to be moved to October 27, so that relevant ministers and heads of departments and agencies can attend.
The NLC and TUC said they will report back to their organs, which will decide the next line of action if Tuesday's meeting brings no meaningful progress. In the meantime, affiliates, state councils and civil society allies have been told to stay alert and start mobilising for possible nationwide action.
The unions said they remain committed to dialogue but will not accept indefinite delays. They urged workers and the public to stay calm and resolute, and said they hope the government will address the demands at the next meeting.
