Tinubu engages labour leaders in last-minute talks to avert nationwide protest

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday night met behind closed doors with leaders of organised labour as tensions escalated over a proposed nationwide protest by workers.

The meeting, held at the State House in Abuja, comes against the backdrop of mounting economic hardship and unresolved labour demands, with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) threatening mass demonstrations across the country.

Labour unions have accused the Federal Government of failing to fully implement earlier agreements relating to workers’ welfare, wage adjustments and measures to cushion the rising cost of living.

Confirming the engagement in a statement issued Tuesday night, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the talks involved top government officials and state governors.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu met with the leadership of the NLC, alongside the Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, Hope Uzodimma; the Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo; the Governor of Kebbi State, Dr Nasir Idris; and the Minister of State for Labour, Honourable Nkeiruka Onyejeocha,” the statement said.

According to Onanuga, the NLC delegation was led by its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, who represented organised labour at the high-level meeting held late Tuesday night.

The talks followed days of strong warnings from the NLC, which has vowed to mobilise workers nationwide if the government fails to address key concerns.

These include concrete economic relief measures, improved wages and urgent interventions to ease the worsening socio-economic conditions facing Nigerian workers and their families.

Labour leaders have consistently expressed dissatisfaction with what they describe as delays in implementing agreements reached during previous negotiations, warning that continued inaction could trigger industrial action and street protests in major cities.

As of the time of filing this report, the outcome of the meeting remains unclear, with neither the Federal Government nor the NLC issuing an official statement on whether the talks have affected plans for the proposed protest.