Follow PenTalk News
Get breaking news, important updates and the latest stories directly on your phone.
In a statement issued after the meeting, the NLC Acting General Secretary, Benson Upah, said the government’s delegation lacked the necessary authority to make concrete commitments on the issues raised by labour leaders.
According to Upah, no meaningful agreement was reached, leaving several demands by the congress unresolved.
He disclosed that the meeting was adjourned until October 27 at the request of the Minister of Labour, who sought additional time to involve relevant ministers and heads of government departments and agencies in the negotiations.
Meanwhile, the NLC has directed its affiliate unions, state councils and civil society allies to begin preparations for possible nationwide action while awaiting the government’s response.
Among the congress’s major demands are a reduction in petrol prices to 2024 levels, renegotiation of the national minimum wage and implementation of agreed tax relief measures.
The labour union is also demanding the implementation of the Terms of Settlement reached with the Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Healthcare Professionals (JOHESU), alongside outstanding issues raised by the Joint Public Sector Negotiating Council (JPSNC).
Other unresolved issues include peculiar allowances, wage awards and hazard allowances for public sector workers.
Despite the looming threat of industrial action, the NLC said it remained committed to dialogue but cautioned that further delays could force it to consider other legitimate options.
Upah warned that the congress’s relevant organs would determine the next course of action if the October 27 meeting failed to produce meaningful progress.
He urged Nigerian workers and members of the public to remain calm and resolute, expressing hope that the Federal Government would address the outstanding demands before the deadline.
The NLC reaffirmed its commitment to defending the interests of Nigerian workers and the wider population through all legitimate means.
