The Federal Government convened a meeting with the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) on Sunday to address the issues stemming from the removal of the subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit, commonly known as petrol.
Following the meeting, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mallam Mohammed Idris, stated on Sunday night. He disclosed that one of the key outcomes of the meeting was the labor unions’ willingness to assess the offers presented by the Federal Government.
According to him, “NLC and TUC will evaluate the proposals made by the Federal Government, to potentially suspend the planned strike to facilitate further discussions on the implementation of the agreements.”
Among the other resolutions reached, he emphasized that “the disputes at hand can only be resolved while workers are actively engaged in their jobs, rather than during a strike.”
“Labour Unions argued for higher wage awards and the Federal Government Team promised to present Labour’s request to President Bola Tinubu for further consideration.
“A sub-committee to be constituted 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 and National Union of Road Transport Workers in Lagos State needs to be addressed urgently and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who participated virtually, pledged to resolve the matter.”
The minister said the Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum, Abdulrazak Abdulrahman, 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, 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, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
The labour delegation was led by NLC President, Joe Ajaero, Dr. Tommy Etim Okon, Deputy President, TUC, NLC General Secretary, Emma Ugboaja, and TUC General Secretary, Nuhu Toro, among others.
