The Nigeria Labour Congress said the Trade Union Congress did not participate in its October 22 meeting with the Federal Government, distancing the second-largest labour group from talks over workers’ demands and the threat of possible industrial action.

The clarification follows media reports linking both labour organisations to the discussions, which ended without an agreement and were adjourned until October 27.

In a statement released on Friday, signed by its Acting General Secretary, Benson Upah, the NLC said 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 congress said.

The NLC acknowledged that TUC representatives from the Joint Health Sector Unions and the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council attended the meeting but stressed that their presence did not amount to participation by the TUC itself.

The clarification comes as the NLC presses the government to address demands on fuel prices, minimum wage negotiations, and outstanding agreements affecting public-sector workers.

The meeting at the Federal Ministry of Labour in Abuja followed an ultimatum issued by the NLC on October 8. The congress had 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 involving health workers and other public servants.

However, the talks failed to produce concrete commitments, with Upah saying the government delegation lacked the authority required to negotiate substantively on the demands.

“No concrete commitments were secured, and the outstanding issues remain unresolved,” he said in a statement after the meeting.

The government requested an adjournment until October 27 to allow relevant ministers and heads of departments and agencies to participate in further discussions.

Beyond the broader economic demands, the NLC is seeking the implementation of the February 5, 2026, terms of settlement involving the Joint Health Sector Unions and the Assembly of Healthcare Professionals.

Its demands also include resolving issues raised by the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council over peculiar allowances, wage awards, and hazard allowances.(PUNCH)