The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has clarified that the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) did not participate in its recent meeting with the Federal Government over workers’ demands, distancing the labour organisation from reports linking both unions to the discussions.
The clarification followed media reports about the meeting held on October 22, 2026, at the Federal Ministry of Labour in Abuja. The talks ended without an agreement, with the government requesting another meeting on October 27.
In a statement issued on Friday, October 23, and signed by its Acting General Secretary, Benson Upah, the NLC said the TUC neither participated in the dialogue as an organisation nor issued an ultimatum to the government over the dispute.
The congress explained that although representatives of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council (JPSNC), which include TUC affiliates, attended the meeting, their presence did not amount to formal participation by the TUC.
The NLC urged the media and members of the public to recognise the distinction and correctly attribute the demands and positions arising from the negotiations.
The meeting followed an ultimatum issued by the NLC on October 8, calling on the Federal Government to address several economic and welfare concerns affecting Nigerian workers.
Among its demands is a reduction in petrol prices to levels recorded in 2024, alongside a renegotiation of the national minimum wage to reflect the economic pressures facing workers.
The congress is also seeking the implementation of previously agreed tax relief measures and the resolution of outstanding disputes involving public-sector employees.
Other demands concern the implementation of the February 5, 2026, terms of settlement involving JOHESU and the Assembly of Healthcare Professionals.
The NLC is also pressing for action on issues raised by the JPSNC, including peculiar allowances, wage awards and hazard allowances.
According to the NLC, the discussions with the government failed to produce concrete commitments because the delegation representing the government lacked the authority to negotiate substantively on the issues raised.
The government subsequently requested an adjournment until Tuesday, October 27, to allow relevant ministers and heads of departments and agencies to participate in the next round of discussions.
The labour congress said the outstanding demands remained unresolved after the meeting but maintained that it was willing to continue negotiations.
The NLC has also urged its affiliates, state councils and civil society allies to remain alert and prepare for possible industrial action if meaningful progress is not achieved.
The clarification about the TUC’s involvement comes amid growing attention to the possibility of a nationwide labour action if the government fails to address the unions’ demands.
For now, the next meeting scheduled for October 27 is expected to provide another opportunity for both sides to seek a resolution to the dispute.