NLC Mobilises For Nationwide Strike Over Fuel Prices, Minimum Wage

NLC Mobilises for Nationwide Strike Over Fuel Prices, Minimum Wage

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has directed its affiliate unions, state councils and civil society allies to begin mobilising for possible nationwide industrial action following the failure of talks with the Federal Government over workers’ demands. The decision followed a meeting between organised labour and government representatives at the Federal Ministry of Labour in Abuja on Thursday, October 22, which ended without a resolution. The NLC said the government delegation arrived without the necessary authority to negotiate substantively on the issues raised, leaving workers’ demands unresolved. In a statement signed by its Acting General Secretary, Benson Upah, the congress expressed disappointment over the outcome of the meeting, warning that it would not accept indefinite delays in addressing workers’ welfare concerns. Among the union’s major demands is a reduction in petrol prices to levels recorded in 2024, alongside the renegotiation of the national minimum wage to reflect prevailing economic realities. Labour is also demanding the implementation of agreed tax relief measures and the resolution of outstanding issues affecting members of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU). Other demands include addressing concerns raised by the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council (JPSNC) over peculiar allowances, wage awards and hazard allowances. According to the NLC, the Minister of Labour requested that the meeting be adjourned until Tuesday, October 27, to enable the government to make adequate preparations and ensure that relevant ministers and heads of departments and agencies participate in the negotiations. The congress reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue but warned that further failure to reach meaningful agreements could trigger a fresh round of industrial action. It said the outcome of the next meeting would be reported to its National Executive Council and Central Working Committee, which would determine the union’s next course of action if the government failed to make progress. The NLC urged workers and members of the public to remain calm while calling on its affiliates, state councils and civil society allies to stay alert and prepare for possible nationwide action. The development comes amid rising concerns over the cost of living, particularly the high cost of petrol, transportation and essential commodities, which have continued to put pressure on household incomes. With petrol prices hovering around ₦1,400 per litre in some locations, organised labour maintains that workers require urgent relief to cope with the rising cost of living. The October 27 meeting is now expected to be crucial in determining whether the Federal Government and organised labour can reach an agreement or face renewed industrial confrontation. For now, the NLC has stopped short of declaring a nationwide strike, leaving the final decision dependent on the outcome of the next round of negotiations.