NLC Cancels Planned Strike

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has announced the cancellation of its nationwide strike scheduled for Wednesday.

The decision was reached after a lengthy meeting between the Federal Government, led by Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, and NLC President Joe Ajaero at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

This meeting marked the third round of discussions following President Bola Tinubu’s recent discontinuation of petroleum subsidies.

During the meeting, it was agreed that the NLC would immediately suspend its strike notice to allow further consultations. The Trade Union Congress (TUC) and NLC will continue their ongoing engagements with the government to finalize the resolutions.

A meeting between the labour centers and the Federal Government has also been scheduled for June 19, 2023, to agree on an implementation framework.

Furthermore, a joint committee comprising the FG, TUC, and NLC will be established to review wage increase proposals and establish a timeline for implementation.

The parties will also assess the $800 million World Bank Financed Cash transfer scheme and propose the inclusion of low-income earners in the program. Other resolutions include the review and detailed implementation of the CNG conversion program, addressing issues in the education sector, and establishing a framework for the completion of refinery rehabilitation, road maintenance, and railway expansion.

The joint committee will also assess all other demands presented by the TUC to the Federal Government.

NLC President Joe Ajaero emphasized that these resolutions serve as a framework for achieving the agreements reached during the meeting, and further discussions will be held to address specific details.

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When asked about the suspension of the strike, Ajaero referred to the statement made by Speaker Gbajabiamila.

TUC President Festus Osifo expressed the commitment of organized labour to resolving the raised issues and alleviating the suffering of vulnerable Nigerians affected by the subsidy discontinuation.

Osifo urged the government to take the resolutions seriously and work towards their swift implementation.

Various representatives, including former Governor Adams Oshiomhole, Group CEO of NNPCL Mele Kyari, Hon. James Faleke, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Employment Kachollom Daju, attended the meeting.

Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, and former Minister of State for Labour and Employment Festus Keyamo joined the government’s delegation later on.