The Federal Government has pledged to resume the payment of wage awards to workers this week, reassuring the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) during a meeting in Abuja.
Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, assured the labour leaders that the government is committed to completing the implementation of the 16-point agreement reached with them on October 2, 2023. She appealed for the withdrawal of the 14-day ultimatum issued by the labour organisations, citing ongoing efforts to fulfill the agreement.
Onyejeocha convened the meeting to update the labour centres on progress made in implementing the agreement and reaffirm the government’s dedication to meeting its commitments. She emphasized the importance of dialogue and expressed the government’s goodwill towards resolving issues in the interest of the people.
Regarding the procurement of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses, the programme director of the Presidential CNG Initiative, Michael Oluwagbemi, reported that 70% payment has been made, with some buses ready and local assembly of others expected to commence between March and April 2024.
The meeting agreed to conduct a joint inspection visit to the Port Harcourt Refinery to verify progress towards its operation.
While acknowledging the labour organisations’ concerns about the government’s pace of implementation, Onyejeocha emphasized the need for patience, as some aspects of the agreement would be achieved gradually. She assured the labour leaders of the President’s commitment to fulfilling the agreement and urged them to withdraw the ultimatum.
In response, NLC President Joe Ajaero urged the government to meet the ultimatum deadline and fulfill its obligations under the agreement. He reiterated labour’s commitment to fulfilling its part of the agreement and called for reciprocal action from the government.
TUC’s First Deputy President, Dr. Tommy Okon, echoed Ajaero’s sentiments, expressing disappointment with the government’s gradual approach to implementation and emphasizing the role of organised labour in managing crises for the government.
The statement concluded with a plea for cooperation between the government and labour to ensure the welfare of Nigerians and the fulfillment of mutual obligations.
