President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday night met leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) at the State House, Abuja, as the government moved to avert a planned nationwide workers’ protest over worsening economic hardship.
The closed-door talks were held against the backdrop of mounting tension over what labour describes as unmet commitments on wage adjustments, workers’ welfare and measures to cushion the rising cost of living across the country.
According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the meeting involved senior government officials and key political figures.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu met with the leadership of the NLC, along with the chairman of Progressive Governors Forum, Hope Uzodimma, Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo and Governor of Kebbi State, Dr Nasir Idris and the Minister of State Labour, Honourable Nkeiruka Onyejeocha,” the statement said.
The NLC was represented by its national leadership, led by its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, who headed the labour delegation to the talks. Onanuga confirmed that the engagement took place on Tuesday night at the Presidential Villa but did not immediately provide details of the discussions or any resolutions reached.
“The chairman of the NLC, Comrade Joe Ajaero, led the labour leaders to the meeting on Tuesday night at the State House, Abuja,” the presidential aide added.
Organised labour has, in recent days, intensified warnings over what it calls the Federal Government’s slow pace in implementing previously agreed palliative and wage measures, especially following economic reforms that have triggered a sharp rise in prices of goods and services.
Labour leaders have accused the government of failing to fully honour earlier agreements on workers’ welfare, wage-related issues and broader interventions aimed at easing pressure on households. They have threatened to mobilise workers nationwide for protests if concrete steps are not taken.
Among key demands are improved wages, clear and time-bound relief measures to mitigate the impact of recent economic policies, and urgent steps to address what unions describe as deteriorating socio-economic conditions faced by workers and their families.
Union officials have repeatedly voiced frustration over what they see as delays and policy inertia, warning that continued inaction could result in industrial unrest and street demonstrations in major cities. While Tuesday night’s meeting appeared designed to de-escalate tensions, it was not immediately clear whether labour would suspend its mobilisation plans.
As at the time of filing this report, neither the Presidency nor the NLC had issued a full briefing on the outcome of the discussions. There was no official confirmation on whether any new concessions were offered by the government or if labour had adjusted its stance on the proposed
nationwide protest.
