In a critical development, the highly-anticipated meeting between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) concluded without resolution on Monday, raising concerns about an impending strike.
The meeting, convened by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, failed to address any of the issues raised by the NLC as reasons for the proposed strike, leaving both parties at an impasse.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, Minister Lalong expressed optimism that while immediate resolutions weren’t reached, many of the concerns raised by Nigerian workers would be resolved before the strike deadline.
Lalong acknowledged the significant role played by the NLC in advocating for workers’ rights and welfare, emphasizing the government’s commitment to addressing valid grievances in a fair and equitable manner. He also urged both sides to engage in open-minded and constructive dialogue to bridge any existing gaps between worker interests and economic growth objectives.
The Minister stated, “In the spirit of unity and with utmost commitment to the betterment of our nation, let us seize this opportunity to listen and understand one another. Together, let us explore innovative approaches, reimagining strategies that enhance working conditions and worker benefits while nurturing a robust economy.”
Lalong remained hopeful that the ongoing constructive dialogue would eventually lead to the resolution of the issues at hand.
On his part, NLC President Joe Ajaero expressed the frustration of the working class, which had led to a two-day warning strike earlier, citing disappointment in the government’s handling of the palliative scheme and subsidy removal policy.
Ajaero pointed out that despite the government’s pledges, none of the workers’ demands had been met, leading to growing discontent among workers.
The NLC President also voiced concern about the ongoing crisis in the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), where the police had taken over the secretariat, leaving the labor union unsettled.
Before the meeting proceeded to a closed-door session, Minister Lalong highlighted the challenges the country was facing, including industrial actions and unrest that had adverse effects on the economy.
The NLC has issued an ultimatum, and if no progress is made before its expiration, an indefinite strike may be on the horizon, potentially causing disruptions across various sectors of the Nigerian economy.
