Labour unions, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and Teachers Union Congress (TUC) have agreed to suspend their planned nationwide strike after it reached an agreement with the Nigerian government on Monday night.
In an agreement signed by the labour unions and the federal government, it was agreed that both parties will continue to dialogue to reach a minimum wage agreement for federal workers.
In a circular titled, ‘Resolution of Engagement between the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and the Federal Government to resolve the issues associated with the removal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (Petrol) on June 5, 2023’ the parties discussed how the government will also cushion the effects of the fuel subsidy.
“Following the engagements between the Federal Government, TUC, and the NLC, with the intervention of the former Speaker, House of Representatives to resolve the disputes that arose from the withdrawal of subsidy on PMS, the following resolutions were reached: The Federal Government, the TUC and the NLC to establish a joint committee to review the proposal for any wage increase or award and establish a framework and timeline for implementation.
“The Federal Government, the TUC and the NLC to review World Bank Financed Cash transfer scheme and propose inclusion of low-income earners in the program.
“The Federal Government, the TUC and the NLC to revive the CNG conversion program earlier agreed with Labour centers in 2021 and work out detailed implementation and timing.
“The Labour centers and the Federal Government to review issues hindering effective delivery in the education sector and propose solutions for implementation.
“The Labour centers and the Federal Government to review and establish the framework for completion of the rehabilitation of the nation’s refineries.
“The Federal Government to provide a framework for the maintenance of roads and expansion of rail networks across the country.
“All other demands submitted by the TUC to the Federal Government will be assessed by the joint committee.
Consequently, the parties agreed that: “The NLC suspend the notice of strike forthwith to enable further consultations.
“The TUC and the NLC to continue the ongoing engagements with the Federal Government and secure closure on the resolutions above.
“The Labour Centers and the Federal Government to meet on June 19, 2023, to agree on an implementation framework.”
The agreement was signed by Comrade Engr. Festus Osifo, President TUC; Comrade Joseph Ajaero, President NLC; Comrade Nuhu Toto, Secretary General, TUC; Ms. Kachollom Daju, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment and Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila, former Speaker, House of Representatives.
