The National Economic Council (NEC) has appealed to the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) to postpone their planned industrial action, urging patience for President Bola Tinubu’s October 1 Independence Day broadcast. Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, addressing State House Correspondents after the NEC meeting in Abuja, revealed that Tinubu would discuss issues of welfare for Nigerian workers in his maiden Independence Day broadcast.
Governor Mutfwang urged the leadership of organised labour to be patient with the Federal Government and give more time for dialogue. The NEC’s appeal comes amidst the NLC’s insistence that there is no agreement to postpone the indefinite strike scheduled to begin next Tuesday.
In a statement, the NLC clarified that there was no agreement reached with the government, and no scheduled meetings that could lead to the suspension of the proposed strike. The NLC also emphasized that the matter goes beyond the Ministry of Labour and Employment, expressing appreciation for the role played by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, while taking exception to the ministry’s description of certain executives as factional leaders.
The NEC’s appeal and the NLC’s position highlight the ongoing tension between the government and organised labour, with the latter pressing for improved welfare conditions and rejecting any suggestions of a postponement without a clear agreement. The outcome of the planned strike and the government’s response will likely depend on the results of ongoing negotiations and whether the issues raised by the labour unions are adequately addressed.
