The Federal Government and organised labour are resuming negotiations over petrol prices, minimum wage demands and other unresolved workers’ welfare issues, with the outcome expected to influence whether labour proceeds with plans for possible nationwide industrial action.
The meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, October 27, 2026, follows an earlier round of discussions that ended without an agreement after labour accused the government delegation of lacking the authority to negotiate meaningfully.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has said it expects the government to present concrete proposals on the demands already submitted rather than prolong discussions without clear commitments.
NLC Assistant Secretary-General Chris Onyeka confirmed the invitation to the meeting, according to reports by The Punch.
A major issue on the negotiating table is labour’s demand for petrol prices to return to the levels prevailing when the current ₦70,000 national minimum wage was signed into law in 2024.
The unions argue that rising fuel costs have increased transportation expenses and pushed up the prices of food and other essential goods, reducing workers’ purchasing power.
Labour is also demanding the immediate implementation of agreed tax relief measures, wage awards and outstanding agreements affecting public-sector employees.
Another key disagreement concerns when negotiations for a new national minimum wage should begin.
The Federal Government maintains that the current ₦70,000 minimum wage is due for review in June 2027, in line with the three-year review cycle under the amended National Minimum Wage Act.
The NLC, however, wants preparations to begin immediately, including the establishment of a tripartite committee involving government, organised labour and employers.
The union argues that starting the process early would allow sufficient time for negotiations and help prevent delays in implementing a new wage.
The latest discussions follow a meeting held at the Federal Ministry of Labour in Abuja on October 22, which ended without concrete commitments.
In a statement, the NLC said the government delegation arrived without the necessary mandate to negotiate substantively on the outstanding demands.
The government subsequently requested an adjournment until October 27 to allow relevant ministers and heads of departments and agencies to participate in the discussions.
The NLC also wants the government to implement outstanding agreements involving the Joint Health Sector Unions and resolve issues raised by the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council, including peculiar allowances, wage awards and hazard allowances.
The NLC has directed its affiliates, state councils and civil society allies to prepare for possible nationwide action if the talks fail to produce meaningful progress.
The union had initially issued a two-week ultimatum on October 8 before extending the deadline to October 27 following the inconclusive meeting.
Labour’s next move will depend on the outcome of the resumed negotiations and any commitments made by the government.
For millions of workers facing rising living costs, the discussions could have significant implications for take-home pay, transportation expenses and household budgets.
However, no final agreement on the demands had been reported before the resumed meeting. The outcome will determine whether both sides can reach a settlement or whether the dispute escalates into industrial action.