The meeting between the federal government and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Monday, aimed at preventing an indefinite strike scheduled to begin on Friday, ended without any agreement on the demands of the NLC.
Following the inconclusive meeting, the federal government has invited the leadership of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) for further discussions on Tuesday at the Ministry of Labour and Employment in Abuja.
NLC President Joe Ajaero, speaking to reporters after the meeting at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, stated that while the discussions were meaningful, no agreement had been reached on any issue. He mentioned that key issues such as the conversion to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), the revival of local refineries, cash transfers, and wage awards remained unresolved.
Ajaero indicated that an ultimatum had been given, and if no progress was made before it expired, an indefinite strike would commence from Friday.
Additionally, Ajaero addressed the issue of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), emphasizing that the coup plotted against the NURTW leadership by the Nigerian Police was a matter of great concern to the trade union movement and could not be compromised.
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Hon. Simon Lalong, described the meeting as fruitful and stated that discussions on many of the items presented by the NLC had not reached their final stages. He acknowledged the valid grievances of organized labor and expressed the government’s commitment to addressing them. However, he also stressed the need to strike a balance between addressing workers’ concerns and promoting economic growth.
The meeting with the TUC was planned for the following day, indicating continued efforts to address labor-related issues and avert the strike.