Nigerian unions threaten nationwide action on 27 October
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Leadership
The Nigeria Labour Congress, represented by acting Secretary-General Benson Upah, has given the government until 27 October to respond to workers’ demands, or nationwide action could follow. The unions are calling, among other things, for lower petrol prices, renegotiation of the minimum wage and tax relief, reports Leadership.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the country’s main trade union federation, has asked its affiliated unions, state councils and civil society partners to prepare for nationwide action if the federal government fails to address workers’ demands by 27 October. The decision followed a meeting held on Thursday in Abuja that ended without agreement, according to acting NLC Secretary-General Benson Upah, quoted by Leadership.
The meeting was adjourned until 27 October at the request of the Labour Minister, who wants other ministers and officials from government departments and agencies to take part. Benson Upah said the government delegation did not have the mandate needed to make concrete commitments, and warned that the NLC’s leadership would decide what to do next if the next meeting failed to make significant progress.
The unions are calling, among other things, for petrol prices to return to their 2024 level, for the national minimum wage to be renegotiated and for agreed tax relief measures to be implemented. They are also demanding implementation of an agreement reached with health-sector unions and resolution of issues concerning special allowances, wage bonuses and risk allowances in the public service.
The threat comes after the five-day extension of the nationwide strike ultimatum, announced on 22 October. The NLC says it remains committed to prioritising dialogue while urging workers and the public to remain mobilised and determined, according to Benson Upah.
Summary produced with the help of artificial intelligence tools, under AFREEQUE’s editorial responsibility.
