Organised labour has directed its state councils and civil society allies across the country to begin mobilising for possible nationwide action following a deadlocked meeting with the Federal Government.
The negotiation, held to address the rising cost of petrol and the renegotiation of the national minimum wage, ended without a resolution.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) stated that they presented their demands in good faith during the October 22, 2026, meeting.
The core demands included returning petrol prices to 2024 levels, implementing agreed tax reliefs, and resolving pending Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) terms and Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC) allowances. However, labour leaders, in a joint statement signed by it Acting Secretary General, Benson Upah, disclosed to the press that no progress was made during the session.
The organised labour accused the government delegation of attending the negotiations unprepared and without the mandate to resolve workers’ demands.
“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”, Upah.
The Federal Government has requested an adjournment to October 27, 2026, following a deadlock in its meeting with organised labour. The delay is to allow authorities to assemble relevant ministers and heads of departments for a more productive session.
While the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) reiterated its commitment to dialogue, the union warned it would not accept indefinite delays. Labour leadership urged Nigerian workers to remain calm while instructing its affiliates to prepare for a possible strike action.
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