The meeting between the Federal Government and Organized Labor concluded without a resolution yesterday, raising the possibility of a nationwide strike. The leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) rejected the government’s offers during the discussions. However, both parties will reconvene at 4 p.m. today in an attempt to find common ground.
Sources at the meeting revealed that labor leaders rejected President Bola Tinubu’s proposed N25,000 provisional wage increase for low-grade workers, intended to mitigate the impact of the removal of the petrol subsidy. The labor leaders expressed their dissatisfaction with the government’s approach and resisted the looming court order threats.
President Tinubu had previously announced the provisional wage increment during Nigeria’s 63rd Independence Anniversary broadcast. He outlined a plan to provide an additional N25,000 per month for low-grade workers for the next six months. Additionally, the social safety net was extended to 15 million vulnerable households through cash transfer programs.
However, Organized Labor, in its meeting with the Federal Government, demanded a 200 percent increase in the current minimum wage. They insisted that the wage increase should apply to all workers until a new Minimum Wage Act is enacted next year, and not be limited to a six-month period. Furthermore, labor leaders called for an increase in the conditional cash transfer to N25,000 for 15 million vulnerable Nigerians, compared to the previous administration’s N5,000 payment.
After lengthy discussions, the government’s delegation, led by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila and Minister of Labour and Employment Simon Lalong, adjourned the meeting to consult with the President regarding these new demands. The labor leaders also raised other concerns, such as tax rebates for low-income earners, the removal of Value Added Tax (VAT) on diesel for six months, and the provision of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and buses within two months.
The meeting, which began in the late afternoon and ended late in the evening, will resume today at 4 p.m. to continue negotiations. Labor leaders are set to convene their National Executive Council (NEC) meeting today to discuss the government’s offers and decide on the next steps. The outcome of these discussions will determine whether the planned nationwide strike proceeds.
In a statement, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila expressed optimism that the agreements reached during the discussions would benefit Nigerian workers. He confirmed that President Tinubu had accepted labor’s demand for a broad-based wage increase, dispelling concerns about low-income workers being excluded from the wage increment.
President of NLC Joe Ajaero and Acting President of TUC Tommy Etim Okon echoed Gbajabiamila’s sentiments and emphasized the need for further consultations with their respective organizations. They acknowledged that decisions on the strike action would require input from their respective structures.
In the meantime, Organized Labor has instructed state councils and affiliates to ensure full compliance with the nationwide strike directive. A strike zonal coordinating committee has been established to ensure the success of the indefinite nationwide strike, according to a circular issued by NLC General Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja. The circular urged state councils to collaborate with TUC and diligently enforce the strike, emphasizing its critical importance for workers and the public.
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