NLC Says TUC Was Absent From Talks With FG, Insists Labour Demands Remain Unresolved

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has clarified that the Trade Union Congress (TUC) did not participate in its October 22 meeting with the Federal Government, distancing the second-largest labour organisation from discussions over workers’ demands and the threat of possible industrial action.

 

The clarification follows media reports linking both labour centres to the talks, which ended without an agreement and were adjourned until October 27.

 

In a statement issued on Friday, the NLC’s Acting General Secretary, Benson Upah, said the TUC neither participated in the dialogue nor issued an ultimatum to the government over the meeting.

 

“The TUC was not part of the dialogue between the NLC and the Federal Government on October 22, 2026,” the congress said.

 

The NLC acknowledged that representatives of the Joint Health Sector Unions and the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council attended the meeting but stressed that their presence did not constitute participation by the TUC itself.

 

The meeting, held at the Federal Ministry of Labour in Abuja, followed an ultimatum issued by the NLC on October 8 over rising petrol prices, minimum wage negotiations and outstanding agreements affecting public-sector workers.

 

The congress had demanded a reduction in petrol prices to 2024 levels, renegotiation of the national minimum wage, implementation of agreed tax relief measures and resolution of outstanding welfare issues involving health workers and other public servants.

 

However, the discussions failed to produce concrete commitments, with Upah saying the government delegation lacked the authority to negotiate substantively on the demands.

 

“No concrete commitments were secured, and the outstanding issues remain unresolved,” he said after the meeting.

 

The Federal Government requested an adjournment until October 27 to allow relevant ministers and heads of departments and agencies to participate in further discussions.

 

Beyond its broader economic demands, the NLC is seeking implementation of the February 5, 2026, terms of settlement involving the Joint Health Sector Unions and the Assembly of Healthcare Professionals.

 

Its demands also include resolving issues raised by the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council concerning peculiar allowances, wage awards and hazard allowances.

 

The outcome of the next meeting is expected to determine whether the government will make commitments capable of addressing the outstanding demands and easing the threat of possible industrial action.