The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have threatened possible nationwide industrial action if the Federal Government fails to address workers’ demands at a meeting scheduled for Tuesday, October 27, 2026.
The unions issued the warning after a meeting with government representatives at the Federal Ministry of Labour in Abuja ended without an agreement on Thursday. They said their affiliates and state councils had been directed to prepare for possible action if meaningful progress was not made.
Labour’s demands include reducing petrol prices to 2024 levels, renegotiating the national minimum wage, implementing agreed tax relief measures and resolving outstanding issues affecting health workers and other public servants.
In a joint statement signed by NLC General Secretary Benson Upah and TUC Secretary-General Nuhu Toro, the unions said the government delegation lacked the authority to negotiate substantively. They added that no concrete commitments were secured during the meeting.
According to the unions, the Minister of Labour requested that discussions be postponed until October 27 to allow the government to bring relevant ministers and heads of departments and agencies to the negotiating table. Labour said it remained committed to dialogue but would not accept indefinite delays.
The unions are also seeking the resolution of disputes involving the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council and the Joint Health Sector Unions. Their concerns include peculiar allowances, wage awards, hazard allowances and outstanding agreements affecting health-sector workers.
The NLC and TUC urged workers, state councils, affiliates and civil society allies to remain on alert while calling on the public to remain calm. They said a final decision on industrial action would depend on the outcome of Tuesday’s meeting, amid continuing concerns about fuel prices, the cost of living and workers’ purchasing power.
