NLC Draws Battle Lines: Nationwide Strike Looms as FG Talks Collapse

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has directed its affiliate unions, state councils and civil society allies to begin mobilising for a possible nationwide industrial action after crucial talks with the Federal Government ended without any concrete resolution.

The meeting, convened by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment in Abuja on Thursday, was intended to address pressing workers’ welfare concerns, including fuel prices, minimum wage review and outstanding labour agreements.

However, discussions ended in stalemate after the government delegation reportedly arrived without the mandate required to negotiate key issues.

Speaking after the meeting, NLC Acting General Secretary, Benson Upah, expressed disappointment over the government’s preparedness, noting that organised labour attended in good faith with clear demands but left without any commitment from the authorities.

According to Upah, labour demanded a reduction in petrol prices to 2024 levels, renegotiation of the national minimum wage, implementation of agreed tax relief measures, fulfilment of JOHESU settlement terms, and resolution of the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council’s demands on peculiar allowance, wage awards and hazard allowance.

“Regrettably, the government delegation came unprepared and lacked the mandate to engage meaningfully on these issues,” he said.

“As a result, no concrete commitments were secured and all outstanding issues remain unresolved.”

The Minister of Labour subsequently requested that the meeting be adjourned until October 27, 2026, to enable the government assemble relevant ministers and heads of agencies for what it described as a more productive engagement.
While reiterating labour’s commitment to dialogue, Upah warned that patience among workers is running thin.

“We will not accept indefinite delays,” he stated. “If no meaningful progress is achieved at the next meeting, the appropriate organs of the NLC will determine the next course of action.”

The labour leader nevertheless urged Nigerian workers and the public to remain calm while preparations continue ahead of the rescheduled talks.

At the same time, he called on all NLC affiliates and allies across the country to remain on alert and intensify mobilisation efforts for possible nationwide action should the government fail to meet workers’ demands.

The threat of industrial action comes amid growing economic hardship, rising inflation and the of fuel prices on transportation costs and household expenses, factors that have intensified calls by organised labour for a fresh review of the national minimum wage.