FG To NLC: Please, Suspend Proposed 2-Day Warning Strike

Following the ultimatum issued by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and its affiliates to begin a 2-day warning strike on Tuesday and Wednesday, September 5 and 6, 2023, the Federal Government on Monday appealed to them to shelve the proposed strike.

Minister of Labour and Employment, Mr Simon Bako Lalong and the Minister of State, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyeajeocha, who made the appeal at press conference in Abuja, assured that government would never take Nigerian workers for granted nor fail to appreciate their support and understanding.

While expressing his sympathy and that of the Government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Nigerians and in particular, the workers over the challenges that have arisen from the removal of petrol subsidy and other policies of the government, Lalong said the measures taken by the government were aimed at renewing hope for the future of the nation.

Lalong said that the President was not unaware that the implementation of these vital but difficult policies, come along with a measure of hardship for all of citizens of this country, adding however, that the Government has to take the decisions now than delay them further and put the nation into more difficulties that might be impossible to reverse.

The Minister also said that already, Government has taken steps to cushion the impact of the removal of fuel subsidy which are being implemented by the three tiers of Government.

According to him; “While some of these policies are being planned and fine-tuned, others are being rolled out as palliative measures to bring temporary relief to Nigerians. On the long run, the government of President Tinubu will put in place measures that will empower the people as well as create jobs and prosperity.

“We shall continue to pursue policies aimed at massive employment generation in all sectors of the economy as well as look into immediate challenges that have emerged out of the policies of government. We cannot do this in an atmosphere devoid of industrial peace” he said.

Lalong said that on the directive of President Tinubu, the Federal Government dispatched trucks of rice and other grains to states for immediate distribution to most vulnerable citizens, adding that the National Economic Council under the Chairmanship of the Vice President, approved the disbursement of N5 billion naira to the 36 States and the FCT for purchase and distribution of more palliatives and further interventions.

Lalong also said; “Mr. President had directed the purchase of CNG powered buses and implementation of the policy for conversion of petrol cars to gas as a way of reducing the cost of energy for transportation”.

The Minister further said that in the course of the coming weeks, additional measures will be announced having consulted with the leadership of the organised labour and key stakeholders.

“The issue of the review of minimum wage which was promised by the President will also receive attention so as to ensure that the Nigerian worker is not adversely affected by the challenges of the moment,” he said.

Lalong also commented on the conflict between the Nigeria Police and the leadership of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), saying that it would be looked into without delay.

He said; “In line with the subsisting laws of the Federation and International Conventions that Nigeria is party to, I do not believe that this conflict is insurmountable.

“As for the matter between the organised labour with Imo and Abia State Governments, I have been informed that the Nigeria Labour Congress and these State Governments had entered into collective agreements induced by industrial actions carried out by the leadership of the NLC in the States earlier in the year.

“I would also appeal for calm on this matter, to allow us to follow the laid down procedures of dispute resolution rather than confrontation, which has not yielded the desired results yet. We cannot continue to do the same thing and expect different results,” he said.