NLC extends FG ultimatum to Oct 27 over petrol price, minimum wage demands – The Witness Nigeria

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.

The acting General Secretary of the NLC, Benson Upah, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday, following a meeting between government representatives and organised labour leaders that ended in a deadlock.

Organised labour had issued an initial two-week ultimatum to the government on October 8, which expired on Thursday, October 22.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the meeting was held at the Federal Ministry of Labour’s headquarters in Abuja but ended without a resolution.

“Regrettably, the government delegation came unprepared and without the necessary mandates to engage substantively on these issues,” Upah said.

“No concrete commitments were secured, and the outstanding issues remain unresolved.

“However, we urge all affiliates of NLC, all state councils and our civil society allies to be alert and start mobilising for possible action across the nation while we hope that our demands are met by the government.”

Upah said the meeting was adjourned until October 27 at the request of the Minister of Labour, who sought more time to assemble relevant ministers and heads of departments and agencies for further discussions.

He listed the NLC’s demands as a reduction in petrol prices to 2024 levels, renegotiation of the national minimum wage and implementation of previously agreed tax relief measures.

Other demands include implementing the terms of settlement reached with the Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Healthcare Professionals (JOHESU), as well as addressing the demands of the Joint Public Sector Negotiating Council (JPSNC).

According to him, outstanding issues under the JPSNC demands include peculiar allowances, wage awards and hazard allowances.

The NLC maintained that it remained committed to dialogue but would not accept indefinite delays in resolving the issues affecting Nigerian workers.

Upah added that the congress’s relevant organs would determine the next course of action if the meeting scheduled for Tuesday, October 27, failed to produce meaningful progress.

He urged Nigerian workers and members of the public to remain calm and resolute, expressing hope that the government would address the demands at the next meeting.

The NLC acting general secretary assured workers that the congress would continue to pursue their interests and those of the wider population through all legitimate means.