Nigeria Labour Congress threatens nationwide strike over wage and fuel demands

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has threatened nationwide industrial action following a deadlock in negotiations with the Federal Government in Abuja. The union is demanding a reduction in petrol prices to 2024 levels, a renegotiation of the national minimum wage, and the implementation of agreed tax relief measures.

Additional demands include the settlement of issues concerning the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council (JPSNC) regarding peculiar allowances, wage awards, and hazard allowances. The NLC stated that the government delegation arrived unprepared and lacked the mandate to negotiate meaningfully.

While the NLC is pushing for an immediate review of the minimum wage to combat rising living costs, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Maigari Dingyadi, maintains that the current wage, implemented in 2024, is not due for review until June 2027. The NLC intends to report the outcome of upcoming meetings to its organs to determine the next course of action.