The federal government received a 14-day nationwide strike notice from the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress. The reason behind this action is the FG’s failure to implement the 16-point agreement that was made on October 2, 2023. The Organised Labour and the FG leaders reached an agreement known as the Memorandum of Understanding to tackle the hardships faced by the general public as a result of the removal of fuel subsidies and to seek a permanent resolution for the devaluation of the national currency, alongside other concern issues.
In their statement, NLC and TUC expressed their disappointment with the government’s actions, remarking that it is unfortunate to be forced into taking such actions. However, the continued disregard for the well-being of the people and Nigerian workers, coupled with the immense suffering, has left them with no alternative but to resort to these measures. They voiced their concern over the recent changes and have acknowledged the pressing need to safeguard the rights and honour the dignity of Nigerian workers and citizens. In light of these circumstances, they are compelled to issue an ultimatum to the government, demanding the fulfilment of their obligations within a 14-day timeframe starting on February 9, 2024.
55,000 CNG conversion kits for the auto gas initiative will be funded.
However, in October 2023, the government and Organised Labour had reached a series of agreements. They decided that starting in September, all FG workers would receive a wage award of ₦35,000 until a new national minimum wage was officially enacted. As part of the agreement, a minimum wage committee would be established within one month from the date of the agreement. Starting from October 2023, the FG will halt the collection of the Value-Added Tax (VAT) on Diesel, maintaining this suspension for a period of six months.
Furthermore, the Nigerian government agreed to provide ₦100 billion to fund the purchase of high-capacity CNG buses, ensuring efficient mass transit. Additionally, plans are underway to allocate funds for 55,000 initial CNG conversion kits as a stepping stone for an auto gas conversion initiative. Concurrently, the construction of progressive CNG stations is in progress nationwide. The ambitious project is set to begin in November, initiating trials at 10 campuses across Nigeria. The private sector and the general public can look forward to a range of tax incentive measures that the FG intends to put into effect.
Labor Ministry will address unpaid wages in the federal education sector.
The NURTW leadership crises and the alleged proscription of RTEAN have caught the FG’s attention, which is firmly dedicated to addressing labour issues in compliance with both ILO conventions and Nigerian labour acts. It is anticipated that a resolution to the ongoing deadlock will be reached on or before October 13. The Ministry of Labour and Employment has been tasked with addressing the unresolved issue of unpaid Salaries and Wages for workers in Federal educational institutions within the Tertiary Education sector. Additionally, the FG has pledged to provide a monthly payment of ₦25,000 for three months, commencing in October 2023, to assist 15 million households, which will encompass vulnerable pensioners as well.
Also, the distribution of fertilisers to farmers across the nation will observe heightened efforts on the part of the FG. Encouraging the State Government, through the National Economic Council and Governors Forum, to enforce wage awards for their employees should be a priority for the FG. The same consideration level should extend to local government and private sector employees. Also, on August 1, the President announced that the FG assured its support for micro and small-scale enterprises by allocating funds.
Related Article: Unions suspend labour strike, avert shutdown
Moreover, the beneficiaries of MSMEs must embrace the concept of fair employment. A collective inspection will take place to evaluate the progress of the refineries’ recovery. Moving forward, all involved should adhere to the principles of open conversation in all forthcoming collaborations. On the other hand, the NLC and TUC have then agreed to temporarily suspend the intended Indefinite Nationwide strike, which was slated to commence on October 3, 2023, for 30 days. The FG shall promptly submit this Memorandum to the appropriate Court of jurisdiction deemed competent within a period of one week as a consent judgment.
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