Strike looms as NLC, TUC order mobilisation ahead of October 27 talks

• Demand petrol price cut, minimum wage renegotiation  • Accuse FG delegation of attending meeting without negotiating mandate

From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have directed their affiliates and state councils to begin mobilisation for possible nationwide action after talks with the Federal Government on petrol prices, wages and other workers’ demands ended in a deadlock.

The unions warned against further delays, saying the next round of talks, scheduled for Tuesday, October 27, must produce meaningful progress.

In a joint statement signed by NLC General Secretary, Benson Upah, and TUC Secretary-General, Nuhu Toro, organised labour accused the government delegation of attending Thursday’s meeting in Abuja without the mandate required to negotiate.

Labour is demanding a reduction in petrol prices to 2024 levels, renegotiation of the national minimum wage and implementation of agreed tax relief.

Other demands include implementation of the terms of settlement reached with the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and resolution of the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council’s (JPSNC) demands on peculiar allowance, wage award and hazard allowance.

The unions said the meeting at the Ministry of Labour was adjourned at the request of the Minister of Labour to enable the government to assemble relevant ministers and heads of departments and agencies for substantive negotiations.

“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 said.

“The Honourable Minister requested for adjournment of the meeting to Tuesday, 27th October 2026, to allow the government to make adequate arrangements for a productive session including assembling all the relevant ministers and Heads of Departments and Agencies.”

While affirming its commitment to dialogue, labour warned that negotiations could not continue indefinitely without results.

“NLC remains committed to dialogue, but we will not accept indefinite delay. 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 said.

The unions urged workers and the public to remain calm and resolute, saying they would attend the next meeting expecting the government to address the outstanding demands.

“Organised Labour will be attending the next meeting believing that government will deliver on each of the workers’ demands. We assure all that we shall continue to pursue the interests of workers and the masses through every legitimate means available,” they said.

They, however, directed their structures and allies to prepare for possible action should the engagement fail to yield results.

“However, we urge all affiliates of NLC and TUC; all state councils and our civil society allies to be at alert and start mobilizing for a possible action across the nation while we hope that the tenets of our demands are met by the government.”