The Federal Government and organised labour are set to resume negotiations on workers’ demands for lower petrol prices, a new minimum wage and other welfare issues amid the threat of nationwide industrial action.
The meeting between the Federal Government, the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, is scheduled for Tuesday, 27 October 2026, following an earlier meeting that ended without agreement.
Labour is demanding concrete proposals from the government, warning that the outcome of the talks will determine its next course of action.
Labour demands lower petrol prices
The NLC and TUC want petrol prices reduced to the levels prevailing in 2024, when the current minimum wage was signed into law.
The unions argue that higher fuel prices have increased transportation costs and pushed up the prices of food and other essential goods, eroding workers’ purchasing power.
They are also demanding the implementation of agreed tax relief measures, immediate wage awards and the resolution of outstanding issues affecting public-sector workers, including health-sector employees.
Dispute over new minimum wage
Another major point of disagreement is when negotiations for a new national minimum wage should begin.
The Federal Government maintains that the current N70,000 minimum wage is due for review on 1 June 2027, based on the three-year review cycle provided under the amended National Minimum Wage Act.
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Muhammad Dingyadi, had described negotiations barely two years after the implementation of the current wage as premature.
However, NLC President Joe Ajaero has insisted that preparations for a new wage review should begin immediately.
The NLC has called for the inauguration of a National Minimum Wage Tripartite Committee involving the government, organised labour and employers, arguing that an early start would allow sufficient time for negotiations.
Labour threatens nationwide action
The unions’ two-week ultimatum, issued on 8 October, expired on 22 October, after the first round of talks ended without a resolution.
Labour subsequently extended the deadline to 27 October and directed its affiliates and state councils to prepare for possible nationwide industrial action if the government fails to make meaningful progress.
In a joint statement signed by NLC acting General Secretary Benson Upah and TUC Secretary-General Nuhu Toro, the unions said the government delegation at the previous meeting arrived without the necessary mandate to negotiate substantively.
The government then requested an adjournment to allow relevant ministers and heads of departments and agencies to participate in the next meeting.
A TUC official said the outcome of Tuesday’s meeting would determine the unions’ next move.
Other unresolved workers’ demands
Labour is also seeking the implementation of the 5 February 2026, terms of settlement involving the Joint Health Sector Unions and the Assembly of Healthcare Professionals.
It is further demanding action on issues raised by the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council, including peculiar allowances, wage awards and hazard allowances.
The Federal Ministry of Labour has said it is engaging relevant ministries, departments and agencies to address issues within the government’s remit.
Pensioners demand N75,000 palliative
Meanwhile, the Federal Parastatals and Private Sector Pensioners Association of Nigeria, FEPPPAN, has urged the Federal Government to pay eligible retirees three months of outstanding fuel-subsidy removal palliatives amounting to N75,000.
The association is also demanding improved access to pensioners’ healthcare benefits and the resolution of outstanding pension-related issues.
FEPPPAN urged the government to ensure that pensioners, particularly elderly, sick and physically incapacitated beneficiaries, are not excluded from pension payments because of verification or administrative challenges.
The renewed talks come amid continuing concerns over the cost of living and workers’ declining purchasing power, with the outcome expected to determine whether the threat of nationwide industrial action will be activated.
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