The organised labour is contemplating the suspension of its planned strike after fruitful negotiations with the Federal Government led to five key resolutions. Announced by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mallam Mohammed Idris, the agreements aim to address various concerns and challenges faced by the workforce and the public. Key resolutions include a provisional wage increment of N35,000 for all treasury-paid federal government workers over a six-month period.
Other resolutions encompass the provision of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to alleviate public transportation difficulties linked to the removal of the PMS subsidy, funding support for micro and small-scale enterprises, a waiver of VAT on diesel for the next six months, and the initiation of payments amounting to N75,000 for 15 million households at N25,000 per month for a three-month period from October to December 2023.
The statement also emphasized that resolving the issues in dispute is most effective when workers are actively engaged rather than being on strike. A sub-committee will be formed to meticulously work out the implementation details of the agreed-upon resolutions concerning government interventions to mitigate the impact of fuel subsidy removal.
The final decision on the suspension of the planned strike lies with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), who will evaluate the offers by the Federal Government and engage in further consultations on the implementation of the resolutions.
Chaired by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, the meeting included key government officials such as the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun; Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong; Minister of State, Labour, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha; and others. The labour delegation, led by NLC President Joe Ajaero, also included representatives from the TUC. The successful negotiations demonstrate a commitment to finding common ground and addressing the concerns of the organised labour.
