Despite the earlier declaration by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to embark on a nationwide strike, the Federal Government is insisting that there will be no strike in the country. The government has assured workers that a palliative package will be unveiled by President Bola Tinubu during his customary Independence Day broadcast.
On Tuesday, the NLC and TUC had announced their decision to go on a nationwide strike due to the perceived failure of the Federal Government to meet their demands. However, the government has expressed confidence in averting the strike by addressing the concerns of the labour unions in the presidential speech scheduled for October 1.
The spokesperson for the Ministry of Labour, Olajide Oshundun, conveyed the government’s stance, stating, “We will avert the strike. We got the news of their intention to go on strike. They need to be rest assured that there will be a pronouncement in the October 1 speech of Mr President for Nigerian workers.”
Oshundun further explained that the ministry is actively working to address the second aspect of the unions’ demands, specifically focusing on wage awards. The release of the factional chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has already been secured, and the ministry intends to engage with the unions on Tuesday following the President’s pronouncement.
“We hope to invite them on Tuesday following the pronouncement of the President to see reasons for them to call off the strike,” Oshundun added. The government’s commitment to addressing the concerns and unveiling a palliative package is aimed at preventing the planned nationwide strike by the labour unions.
