The Federal Government and organised labour are expected to resume negotiations on Tuesday over petrol prices, minimum wage talks and other unresolved workers’ welfare demands, with the outcome likely to determine whether the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) pursues industrial action.
The meeting follows a deadlock on October 22, when the NLC said the government delegation lacked the authority to make concrete commitments on the issues raised. The talks were adjourned until October 27 to allow relevant ministers and heads of government agencies to participate.
The NLC Assistant Secretary-General, Chris Onyeka, said the union expected the government to present concrete responses to its demands rather than reopen discussions on issues already submitted.
“We expect them to come with answers to our demands, so that the meeting will not be prolonged,” Onyeka said.
The NLC is demanding a reduction in petrol prices to 2024 levels, the implementation of agreed tax relief measures, immediate wage awards and the commencement of negotiations for a new national minimum wage.
It is also seeking the implementation of outstanding agreements affecting health-sector workers and the resolution of public-sector disputes involving allowances and other wage-related entitlements.
The dispute centres partly on when negotiations should begin to replace the current N70,000 monthly minimum wage, introduced in 2024. The Federal Government maintains that the next review is due in June 2027, while the NLC wants negotiations to begin immediately.
Labour argues that rising fuel prices and the cost of living have eroded workers’ purchasing power despite the increase in the minimum wage.
The NLC issued a two-week ultimatum on October 8, which expired on October 22. It subsequently extended the deadline to October 27 and directed its affiliates and state councils to prepare for possible nationwide action if the government failed to make meaningful progress.
The congress said its relevant organs would determine the next course of action after assessing the outcome of the negotiations.
Pensioners seek outstanding benefits
Meanwhile, the Federal Parastatals and Private Sector Pensioners Association of Nigeria has urged the Federal Government to pay eligible retirees three months of outstanding fuel-subsidy palliatives totalling N75,000.
In a communiqué issued after its National Executive Council meeting in Abuja on October 22, the association also called for clearer pension harmonization guidelines and improved access to healthcare benefits for retirees.
It urged the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate and the National Health Insurance Authority to provide assisted registration and support for elderly, sick and physically incapacitated pensioners seeking to enrol in the Pensioner Health Insurance Scheme.
The association warned that difficulties with registration and verification should not prevent eligible retirees from receiving their pension or accessing healthcare.
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