It has been stated that concerning the proposed strike action by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), things are now set for the federal government (FG) and the Labour leaders to organize a meeting. The team of the federal government of Nigeria led by the Chief of Staff (CoS) to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, awaited the arrival of the leaders, who had reportedly met with their respective bodies on September 25, 2023, to deliberate on the next step to take.
As a means of averting the proposed strike action, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved a N35,000 provisional wage award for six months for every treasury-paid worker of the federal government. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, in a statement, asserted that the decision was backed by more consultations with the federal government’s delegation, that set up an earlier meeting with the labour leaders of both NLC and TUC on September 24, 2023.
There were promissory notes from the government.
Also, it was recalled that at the previous meeting, which was held between the labour organs and the government, the FG expressed its commitment towards speeding up the provision and availability of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to cushion the challenges of public transportation, which was worsened by the removal of fuel subsidy. The Nigerian government had also assured the provision of funds for micro and small-scale enterprises, including a waiver on VAT on diesel for six months.
However, commenting on the outcome of the meeting, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, stated that the team has no power to call off the strike. He added that there have been meetings and almost all the issues have been scrutinized. He likewise stated that there were promissory notes from the government, which will be looked into and be made practicable in reality. The promises, according to him, were to be reported to the FG.
Labour Congress ensures the protection of the interests of every worker.
Ajaero added that, according to the statement made by the Chief of Staff to the President, the labour leaders have hopes that the FG will look at the issue and would confer with the organs so as to go through the promises of the federal government and ensure cross-fertilization of ideas to know the next line of action. The fundamental aims and objectives of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is to ensure the protection, defence, and promotion of the rights, well-being, and interests of every worker.
The Congress is also keen on the promotion and defence of a Nigerian nation that would be democratic, just, prosperous, and transparent towards the attainment of specific objectives. One of such objectives is to ensure the promotion, advancement and defence of the economic, social, and political rights and well-being of all workers and pensioners in Nigeria. It is also concerned about the enhancement of the quality of life, and the improvement of the income and quality of life of workers.
NLC focuses on attaining gender equity & promoting work conditions.
Additionally, the NLC is focused on the promotion and sustainability of the unity of Trade Unions in Nigeria, regardless of political beliefs, gender, and state of origin. Another objective is to focus on the attainment of gender equity, while improving the conditions and status of women in the society and work-related fields. It is also responsible for the establishment of a good relationship and cooperation with Labour Movements around the world, most especially in the African region.
Related Link
NLC: Website
