Hardship: FG summons NLC leaders as ultimatum nears end

By Victor Ahiuma-Young

The Federal Government has summoned the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to a conciliation meeting in Abuja amid mounting concerns over economic hardship and the union’s ultimatum demanding urgent measures to ease the burden on Nigerian workers.

The meeting, scheduled for Thursday, October 22, 2026, comes a day before the two-week ultimatum issued by the NLC on October 9 expires on Friday, October 23.

The NLC had demanded a reduction in petrol prices, the commencement of negotiations for a new national minimum wage and the implementation of outstanding agreements with public- and health-sector workers, among other demands.

The labour union warned that failure by the government to address its demands within the stipulated period could compel the labour movement to take further action.

NLC leaders had earlier rejected the response of the Minister of Labour and Employment to the communiqué issued at the end of meetings of the union’s organs, which contained the ultimatum.

The planned meeting, convened at the directive of the Minister of Labour and Employment, is expected to provide an avenue for dialogue on workers’ grievances and explore possible solutions to the issues raised by the Congress.

In a letter inviting the NLC leadership to the meeting, the Ministry said the engagement was intended to promote constructive dialogue and industrial harmony.

The letter, signed by the Director of Trade Union Services and Industrial Relations, Falonipe Amos O., on behalf of the minister, stated: “I refer to our letter dated 12 October 2026, conveying the response of the Honourable Minister to the communiqué issued following the joint meeting of the Central Working Committee and National Executive Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

“The Ministry recognises the importance of constructive social dialogue in addressing issues affecting workers and promoting industrial peace and harmony.

“In this regard, and in furtherance of its mandate to foster harmonious industrial relations, the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment has directed that a conciliation meeting be convened with the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress.

“Accordingly, the Nigeria Labour Congress is hereby invited to a conciliation meeting scheduled as follows:

“Date: Thursday, 22 October 2026. “Time: 1:00 p.m.

“Venue: Office of the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, Federal Secretariat Complex, Phase I, Abuja.

“The meeting is intended to provide an opportunity for frank and constructive dialogue on the issues raised by the Congress, including measures to address the challenges facing workers and to explore mutually acceptable approaches to maintaining industrial peace and stability.

“The Ministry looks forward to the cooperation of the Nigeria Labour Congress and a fruitful engagement aimed at finding practical and sustainable solutions to the issues raised in the communiqué.”

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