ABUJA, Nigeria — The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have threatened nationwide industrial action following the collapse of negotiations with the Federal Government over rising petrol prices, minimum wage adjustments and outstanding workers' welfare agreements.

The warning followed a meeting held on Thursday, October 22, at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment in Abuja, where representatives of organised labour and government officials failed to reach an agreement on several demands affecting Nigerian workers.

In a joint statement signed by NLC Acting General Secretary Benson Upah and TUC Secretary-General Nuhu Toro, the labour unions expressed disappointment over what they described as the government's lack of preparedness for meaningful negotiations.

According to the unions, the government delegation arrived without the necessary authorisation to make binding commitments on the issues presented for discussion.

“No concrete commitments were secured, and the outstanding issues remain unresolved,” the statement said.

The unions disclosed that the Minister of Labour requested an adjournment until Tuesday, October 27, to enable the government to assemble relevant ministers, heads of departments and agencies, and other officials empowered to negotiate.

Organised labour said it had agreed to attend the rescheduled meeting but warned that further delays in addressing workers' concerns would be unacceptable.

The NLC and TUC are demanding an immediate reduction in petrol prices to the levels recorded in 2024, when the current national minimum wage was approved.

They are also seeking fresh negotiations on the ₦70,000 national minimum wage, arguing that rising living costs have significantly reduced the purchasing power of Nigerian workers.

The minimum wage was increased from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000 under the National Minimum Wage Act of 2024 following negotiations involving the Federal Government, organised labour and other stakeholders.

However, labour leaders maintain that subsequent increases in transportation costs, food prices, accommodation and other essential expenses have weakened the economic benefits of the wage adjustment.

The unions argue that workers should not continue to bear the financial burden of economic reforms without corresponding measures to protect their incomes.

Beyond fuel prices and wages, organised labour is demanding the implementation of previously agreed tax relief measures and the settlement of outstanding obligations to public-sector and healthcare workers.

These include unresolved matters involving the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council (JPSNC).

The JPSNC demands cover peculiar allowances, wage awards and hazard allowances, while the JOHESU dispute concerns outstanding agreements affecting healthcare professionals.

Labour leaders expressed concern that delays in implementing these commitments were contributing to dissatisfaction among workers and increasing pressure on households already struggling with the cost of living.

Following Thursday's inconclusive meeting, the unions directed their affiliates, state councils and civil society allies across the country to begin preparations for possible nationwide action.

They stressed that their final decision would depend on the outcome of Tuesday's negotiations and subsequent deliberations by the appropriate organs of the labour movement.

Despite the warning, the NLC and TUC reaffirmed their willingness to resolve the dispute through dialogue, expressing hope that the Federal Government would return to the negotiating table with concrete proposals.

The latest development follows an earlier two-week ultimatum issued by the NLC on October 8, demanding urgent government intervention on petrol prices, wages and outstanding labour agreements.

The ultimatum, which commenced on October 9, placed renewed pressure on the government to address the economic difficulties confronting workers.

The labour dispute comes amid continuing concerns over the impact of fuel prices on transportation, food distribution, business operations and household expenditure.

Increases in petrol prices have had wider consequences for the Nigerian economy, particularly because road transportation remains central to the movement of people, agricultural produce and commercial goods.

The Federal Government has introduced measures aimed at easing fuel-price pressures, including temporary retail pricing interventions through the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.

However, organised labour maintains that additional steps are necessary to provide meaningful relief to workers and vulnerable households.

A nationwide strike, if eventually declared, could disrupt economic activities, public services and transportation, depending on the sectors involved and the level of participation by affiliated unions.

Nevertheless, the labour centres have not formally announced a nationwide strike, leaving any decision on industrial action subject to the outcome of Tuesday's meeting.

For now, attention is focused on whether the government will present proposals capable of addressing the unions' demands and preventing a further escalation of the dispute.

The October 27 meeting is expected to be a significant test of relations between organised labour and the Federal Government, as both sides face growing pressure to resolve disagreements over workers' welfare and the rising cost of living.

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