Hope rises over impending strike cancellation as FG, Labour Unions inch closer to agreement
The Federal Government met with the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) on Sunday to address the dispute arising from the removal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
In a statement released to newsmen by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mallam Mohammed Idris said, the parties agreed that the issues in dispute can only be resolved when workers are at work and not when they are on strike.
Labour Unions argued for a higher wage award, and the Federal Government Team promised to present Labour’s request to President Bola Tinubu for further consideration.
The parties also agreed to constitute a sub-committee to work out the details of implementation of all items for consideration regarding government interventions to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal.
The lingering matter of Road Transport Employees Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) and National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Lagos State also needs to be addressed urgently. Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who participated virtually, pledged to resolve the matter.
The NLC and TUC will consider the offers by the Federal Government with a view to suspending the planned strike to allow for further consultations on the implementation of the resolutions above.
Governor Abdulrazak Abdulrahman of Kwara State and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) and Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, participated virtually in the meeting, chaired by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.
Also in attendance were the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, the Minister of State, Labour, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu.
Others are the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite, the Head of Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan and the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
The labour delegation was led by NLC President, Joe Ajaero, Deputy President, TUC, Dr Tommy Etim Okon, NLC General Secretary, Emma Ugboaja, TUC General Secretary, Nuhu Toro, among others.
