The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has said that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) cannot work in isolation, urging the two labour centres
to resolve their differences and strengthen cooperation to protect workers’ welfare and bargaining power.
The call comes amid growing tensions between the two bodies over the Federal Government’s N70,000 transport allowance and disagreements over the authority to negotiate employment-related benefits on behalf of Nigerian workers.
The NLC accepted the transport allowance following negotiations with the Federal Government, while the TUC rejected the arrangement, insisting on a permanent salary increase and challenging the NLC’s mandate to negotiate on behalf of its members.
Speaking at a summit organised by the Labour Writers Association of Nigeria (LAWAN) in Lagos, Comrade Bosun Olabiyi-Agoro, representing PENGASSAN President, Festus Osifo, said the divisions should not be allowed to weaken organised labour’s ability to defend workers’ economic interests.
He urged both congresses to prioritise reconciliation, harmonise their positions and establish a stronger framework for engagement with government, warning that persistent disagreements could undermine labour’s collective bargaining strength.
According to him, differences over specific policy positions, including the transport allowance, should not be interpreted as a rejection of efforts to improve workers’ welfare.
He expressed optimism that the two labour centres would overcome their differences and emerge as a more united and formidable force against policies detrimental to workers’ interests.
Olabiyi-Agoro also called on Nigerian workers to demonstrate greater political responsibility ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning against trading their votes for immediate financial or material benefits.
He argued that workers who compromise their electoral choices for short-term gains weaken their ability to hold elected governments accountable for policies affecting wages, employment conditions and living standards.
He urged organised labour to rise above partisan interests, while encouraging workers to make informed electoral decisions that advance their collective economic and social welfare.
The intervention highlights the need for a cohesive labour movement as Nigerian workers contend with rising living costs, wage pressures and growing concerns over purchasing power.
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