The Nigerian government has affirmed its dedication to upholding agreements made with organized labor concerning the overall well-being of workers and other pertinent matters. In a statement released by Mr. Segun Imohiosen, Director Information at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the government reiterated its commitment to fulfilling these agreements.

Imohiosen revealed that significant progress has been achieved, including the disbursement of four months’ worth of the six-month wage award pledged to organized labor. He stated, “From the payment of the N35,000 wage award for six months, the government has already disbursed funds for four months up to December 31, 2023. The outstanding two months for January and February 2024 are currently being processed.”

Furthermore, the government has inaugurated a 37-member Minimum Wage Committee tasked with evaluating and proposing a sustainable minimum wage for Nigerian workers. Imohiosen reported that the committee has conducted two meetings and is actively engaged in discussions.

In addressing transportation challenges, the government has made substantial financial commitments toward providing CNG buses and conversion kits, which will soon be deployed to alleviate the current transportation burdens faced by Nigerians.

Additionally, the government has implemented the suspension of Value Added Tax (VAT) collection on diesel for six months starting from October 2023.

Regarding the leadership disputes within the NURTW and RTEAN, Imohiosen stated that the government intervened, leading to an amicable resolution of the matter. He further emphasized that the Lagos state government has successfully addressed the issue, inaugurating the executive body of the union and resolving all contentious matters.

Moreover, the government has disbursed outstanding salaries and wages to tertiary education workers in federally owned educational institutions. Imohiosen confirmed the full payment of four-month outstanding salaries to ASUU, with ongoing efforts to address other unions’ remuneration concerns.

Notably, over three million households, including vulnerable pensioners, have benefited from the N25,000 monthly conditional cash transfer. Before the temporary suspension of the program, over N68.3 billion had been disbursed.

The government has also made significant strides in the subsidized distribution of fertilizers to farmers across the country, aiming to enhance agricultural production. It has been engaging with various state governments and the private sector on the implementation of wage awards for their workers.

In evaluating the progress of refinery rehabilitation, Imohiosen disclosed a joint visitation by the government and organized labor, which revealed the Port-Harcourt refinery to be 80% complete. The production of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) is expected to commence before the year’s end.