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 over workers’ demands and the possibility of industrial action.
In a statement issued on Friday, NLC Acting General Secretary Benson Upah said reports linking both labour organisations to the discussions were inaccurate, stressing that 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 statement said.
The NLC acknowledged that representatives of the Joint Health Sector Unions and the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council attended the meeting but clarified that their presence did not constitute participation by the TUC.
The meeting, held at the Federal Ministry of Labour in Abuja, followed an ultimatum issued by the NLC on October 8.
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The congress 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 affecting public-sector workers.
However, the talks ended without concrete commitments, with Upah stating that the government delegation lacked the authority to negotiate substantively on the demands.
The Federal Government requested an adjournment until October 27 to enable relevant ministers and heads of departments and agencies to participate in further discussions.
The NLC is also demanding implementation of the February 5, 2026, terms of settlement involving the Joint Health Sector Unions and the Assembly of Healthcare Professionals.
Other demands include resolving issues raised by the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council concerning peculiar allowances, wage awards and hazard allowances.
The outstanding issues remain unresolved as both sides prepare for the next round of talks.
