Nigeria’s organised labour unions have given the Federal Government until Tuesday, October 27, 2026, to make meaningful progress on workers’ demands, warning that nationwide industrial action could be considered if negotiations fail.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) issued the warning after a meeting with government representatives ended without an agreement in Abuja on Thursday, October 22.

According to the unions, the meeting at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment failed to produce concrete commitments on several outstanding issues affecting workers’ welfare and the cost of living.

In a statement signed by NLC Acting General Secretary Benson Upah and TUC Secretary-General Nuhu Toro, organised labour expressed disappointment over the government delegation’s preparedness, alleging that its representatives lacked the necessary authority to negotiate substantive solutions.

The meeting was subsequently adjourned until October 27 at the request of the Minister of Labour, who sought additional time to assemble the relevant ministers and heads of government departments and agencies.

What the Labour Unions Want

Among the major demands presented by the unions is a reduction in petrol prices to levels prevailing in 2024, when the current national minimum wage was enacted.

Organised labour is also demanding fresh negotiations on the national minimum wage, implementation of agreed tax relief measures and the fulfilment of outstanding agreements affecting public-sector and health-sector workers.

The unions further called for the implementation of the terms of settlement involving the Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Healthcare Professionals (JOHESU).

They also want the government to address outstanding demands raised by the Joint Public Sector Negotiating Council, including peculiar allowances, wage awards and hazard allowances.

The unions maintain that resolving these issues is necessary to address workers’ welfare concerns amid persistent pressure from rising living costs.

Unions Begin Preparing for Possible Action

Following Thursday’s unsuccessful meeting, organised labour urged its affiliate unions, state councils and civil society allies to remain alert and begin preparations for possible nationwide action.

However, the unions said the outcome of the next meeting would influence their subsequent decisions, stressing that they remained committed to dialogue but would not accept indefinite delays.

The NLC and TUC also appealed to workers and members of the public to remain calm while expressing hope that the government would address their concerns during the rescheduled negotiations.

October 27 Meeting Could Determine Next Steps

The next meeting between the Federal Government and organised labour is scheduled for Tuesday, October 27.

The discussions are expected to provide another opportunity for both sides to seek an agreement on petrol prices, minimum wage negotiations, tax relief and outstanding workers’ welfare issues.

If the talks fail to produce meaningful progress, the unions say their relevant organs will determine the next course of action.

For now, the possibility of nationwide industrial action remains dependent on the outcome of the scheduled negotiations.

Utelnova will continue to follow developments as the October 27 deadline approaches.