The Nigerian Federal Government has guaranteed the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) that the payment of the wage award will resume this week. The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, made this commitment during a meeting with the NLC and TUC leadership in Abuja on Tuesday.
Mrs. Onyejeocha urged the labor organizations to retract their 14-day ultimatum, emphasizing that the government had intensified efforts to fulfill the 16-point agreement reached with them on 2 October, 2023.
During the meeting, Mrs. Onyejeocha acknowledged the urgency of the situation and appealed for dialogue, emphasizing the government’s good faith. She highlighted that while the government had not fully implemented the agreement, some items could only be achieved in stages. She assured the labor unions of the President’s sincerity of purpose and unwavering dedication to implementing the agreement.
Additionally, Michael Oluwagbemi, the Programme Director and Chief Executive of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative, disclosed that the government had made 70% payment for the new CNG buses and kits. He also mentioned the readiness of some buses and the plans to commence local assembly of others, including tricycles, between March and April 2024.
NLC President, Joe Ajaero, urged the Federal Government to meet the 14-day ultimatum deadline by ensuring the agreement’s implementation. He emphasized the labor’s commitment to upholding their end of the bargain, provided the government reciprocates.
Tommy Okon, First Deputy President of TUC, expressed disappointment with the government’s gradual approach to implementing the agreement and stressed the labor’s vital role in managing crises in the country.
The meeting concluded with an agreement to conduct a joint inspection visit to the Port Harcourt Refinery to verify the reported progress in its restoration to operation.
