Talks between the Federal Government and organised labour have ended without agreement, with the unions accusing the government delegation of arriving unprepared to negotiate.
The meeting, held at the Ministry of Labour in Abuja on Thursday, has been adjourned until Tuesday, October 27.
In a joint statement, the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress said they presented their demands in good faith but secured no concrete commitments from the government.
The demands include a reduction in petrol prices to 2024 levels, renegotiation of the national minimum wage and implementation of agreed tax relief.
Labour also sought implementation of the Joint Health Sector Unions’ terms of settlement and demands by the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council concerning peculiar allowances, wage awards and hazard allowances.
The statement, signed by NLC Acting General Secretary Benson Upah and TUC Secretary-General Nuhu Toro, said the government delegation lacked the necessary mandate to engage substantively on the issues.
According to the unions, all outstanding matters remain unresolved.
They said the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, requested the adjournment to allow the government to prepare and bring relevant ministers and heads of departments and agencies to the next meeting.
While reaffirming their commitment to dialogue, the unions warned that they would not accept indefinite delays.
They directed affiliates, state councils and civil society allies to remain on alert and begin mobilising for possible nationwide action if the next meeting failed to produce meaningful progress.
Organised labour urged workers and the public to remain calm and resolute.
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Editor: Ada Ononye
