NLC extends FG ultimatum on petrol price, minimum wage demands

NEWSPEAKONLINE.COM • 44m ago

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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.

In a statement issued on Thursday, NLC Acting General Secretary, Benson Upah, said the extension followed 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.

Upah said the meeting, held at the Federal Ministry of Labour’s headquarters in Abuja, ended without any concrete resolution.

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

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

“However, we urge all affiliates of the 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,” he said.

Upah said the meeting was adjourned until October 27 at the request of the Minister of Labour to allow the government to assemble the relevant ministers and heads of departments and agencies for further discussions.

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

The demands also included the implementation of the terms of settlement reached with the Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Healthcare Professionals (JOHESU), as well as the resolution of outstanding issues raised by the Joint Public Sector Negotiating Council (JPSNC).

According to Upah, the unresolved issues under the JPSNC demands included peculiar allowances, wage awards and hazard allowances.

He said the NLC remained committed to dialogue but would not accept indefinite delays in addressing workers’ concerns.

Upah added that the congress’ relevant organs would determine the next line of action if Tuesday’s meeting failed to produce meaningful progress.

He urged Nigerian workers and the general 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 masses through all legitimate means.

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