RismadarVoice Reporters
October 23, 2026
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have warned of possible nationwide industrial action if the Federal Government of Nigeria fails to address outstanding demands concerning petrol prices, workers’ wages and welfare by Tuesday, October 27, 2026.
The warning followed an inconclusive meeting between representatives of organised labour and the Federal Government at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment in Abuja on Thursday.
In a joint statement signed by NLC Acting General Secretary Benson Upah and TUC Secretary-General Nuhu Toro, the unions expressed disappointment over what they described as the government’s lack of preparedness for meaningful negotiations.
According to the labour centres, the government delegation attended the meeting without sufficient authority to negotiate and make binding commitments on the issues presented.
The unions are demanding a reduction in petrol prices to 2024 levels, renegotiation of the ₦70,000 national minimum wage and implementation of previously agreed tax relief measures.
Other demands include the resolution of outstanding agreements affecting the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council (JPSNC).
The unresolved issues include peculiar allowances, wage awards, hazard allowances and other employment-related benefits.
Organised labour disclosed that the Minister of Labour requested an adjournment until October 27 to allow the government to assemble relevant ministers and heads of departments and agencies for substantive discussions.
Although the unions accepted the postponement, they warned that continued delays in addressing workers’ demands would no longer be tolerated.
The labour centres consequently directed their affiliates, state councils and civil society allies to remain on alert and begin mobilisation for possible nationwide action.
They explained that the outcome of Tuesday’s meeting would determine whether further steps, including industrial action, would be considered by the appropriate leadership bodies.
The development follows an earlier ultimatum issued by the NLC over the rising cost of living and declining purchasing power among Nigerian workers.
The national minimum wage was increased from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000 under the National Minimum Wage Act of 2024.
However, organised labour maintains that increasing petrol prices, transportation expenses and household costs have weakened the purchasing power of workers.
The unions reaffirmed their willingness to continue negotiations and urged Nigerians to remain calm while awaiting the outcome of the next meeting.
As of October 23, no nationwide strike had been formally declared, with the proposed industrial action remaining dependent on the outcome of the October 27 negotiations.
