FG, Labour Meet Over Minimum Wage and Petrol Prices

The Federal Government and organized labour are expected to hold crucial negotiations on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, as tensions increase over petrol prices, workers’ salaries and unresolved welfare demands.

The meeting involves representatives of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), who are seeking concrete government commitments to address the rising financial pressures facing Nigerian workers.

The outcome could determine whether organized labour proceeds with its threatened nationwide industrial action.

The labour unions are demanding a reduction in petrol prices to their 2024 levels, tax relief for workers and immediate wage support to cushion the effects of economic hardship.

They are also pushing for negotiations on a new national minimum wage to begin before the end of October.

The current minimum wage of ₦70,000 was introduced in 2024, replacing the previous ₦30,000 benchmark.

However, labour leaders argue that rising transportation costs, food prices and other household expenses have weakened workers’ purchasing power.

Earlier discussions between the government and labour representatives on October 22 ended without a resolution.

The unions complained that government representatives lacked the necessary authority to make meaningful commitments.

Consequently, the government requested additional time to assemble relevant officials for another meeting.

NLC Assistant Secretary-General Chris Onyeka subsequently confirmed that labour expected specific responses to demands already submitted.

Another major disagreement concerns the timing of the next minimum wage review.

Organized labour, however, wants negotiations to begin earlier, arguing that workers should not continue facing worsening economic difficulties without additional support.

The unions have warned that failure to achieve meaningful progress could lead to nationwide industrial action.

Such a development could disrupt economic activities and essential services.

For now, attention remains on the negotiations and whether both parties can reach an agreement that addresses workers’ concerns while avoiding further economic disruption.

Source: Punch Newspapers, 27 October 2026.

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