FG, Labour Resume Critical Talks Today Over Fuel Price, Wage Review

​Negotiations between the Federal Government and organised labour resume today, Tuesday, October 27, in Abuja, with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) demanding concrete proposals to avert a impending nationwide industrial action.
​The crucial meeting follows the deadlock of October 22, when union representatives walked out after the government delegation arrived without the necessary executive mandate to make firm commitments on petrol pricing, wage adjustments, and public sector welfare issues.
​Key Demands on the Table
​Organised labour’s ultimatum, which was extended to Tuesday after expiring last week, revolves around several core economic pressure points:
​Fuel Price Reversal: Lowering pump prices of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to the levels recorded when the current N70,000 national minimum wage was signed into law in July 2024.
​Early Wage Negotiations: Immediately inaugurating a National Minimum Wage Tripartite Committee to begin talks on a new wage structure, challenging the Federal Government’s position that the current statutory wage remains locked until June 2027.
​Economic Relief & Allowances: Implementation of promised wage awards, tax relief for low-income workers, and the resolution of long-standing agreements affecting health-sector and public-service employees.
​NLC Assistant Secretary-General Chris Onyeka stated on Monday that the unions expect the government to present direct solutions rather than prolong the process.
​“We expect them to come with answers to our demands, so that the meeting will not be prolonged. The demands have already been tabled before them,” Onyeka said.
​Pensioners Demand N75,000 In Arrears
​Adding to the pressure on the administration, the Federal Parastatals and Private Sector Pensioners Association of Nigeria (FEPPPAN) issued a communiqué urging President Bola Tinubu’s administration to settle outstanding retiree entitlements.
​Signed by President-General Benjamin Maisamari Amako and General Secretary Franklin Erinle, the group demanded:
​Unpaid Palliatives: Immediate disbursement of three months of outstanding fuel-subsidy palliatives totaling N75,000 per eligible pensioner (N25,000 monthly).
​Healthcare & Harmonization: Streamlined registration for the Pensioner Health Insurance Scheme and transparent implementation of the pension harmonization exercise that took effect in January 2026.
​Verification Safeguards: Administrative support during the upcoming relaunch of the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate’s (PTAD) “I Am Alive” verification platform to prevent sick or elderly retirees from being improperly cut off.
​The outcome of today’s meeting, which is expected to bring together key ministers and heads of relevant federal agencies, will determine whether organised labour gives the directive to commence nationwide industrial action.