The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has extended its ultimatum to the Federal Government until October 27 to address workers’ demands, warning of possible nationwide action if negotiations fail.
In a statement on Thursday, the NLC’s Acting General Secretary, Benson Upah, said the extension followed a meeting between government representatives and organised labour in Abuja that ended in a deadlock.
The congress had issued a two-week ultimatum on October 8, which expired on Thursday, October 22.
Upah said the government delegation arrived at the meeting without the necessary mandate to negotiate meaningfully, adding that no concrete commitments were secured on the outstanding issues.
He said the meeting, held at the Federal Ministry of Labour’s headquarters, was adjourned until October 27 at the request of the Minister of Labour to enable the government to assemble relevant ministers and heads of departments and agencies.
The NLC urged its affiliates, state councils and civil society allies to remain alert and begin mobilising for possible nationwide action while awaiting the outcome of the next meeting.
The congress is demanding a reduction in petrol prices to 2024 levels, renegotiation of the national minimum wage and implementation of agreed tax relief measures.
Its demands also include the implementation of the terms of settlement reached with the Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Healthcare Professionals (JOHESU), as well as outstanding demands of the Joint Public Sector Negotiating Council (JPSNC).
According to Upah, unresolved issues under the JPSNC include peculiar allowances, wage awards and hazard allowances.
The NLC said it remained committed to dialogue but would not accept indefinite delays in addressing workers’ grievances.
Upah added that the congress’s relevant organs would determine the next line of action if Tuesday’s meeting failed to produce meaningful progress.
He urged workers and the general public to remain calm and resolute, expressing hope that the government would address the outstanding demands at the next meeting.