The Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Bako Lalong has implored the members of the Trade Union Congress TUC to exercise patience following their request on pending Labour issues plaguing civil servants in the country.
The TUc had requested a wage award for federal civil servants to cushion the effect of rising poverty among them, and tax exemption for a certain level of workers, both in the public and private sectors.
Speaking, the former Governor of Plateau State and the Minister of State, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyeajeocha who met with the members of TUC disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had been briefed on the Labour issues before he departed for the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
“In the company of Minister of State Hon. Nkeiruka Onyeajeocha, I spoke to the TUC members, explaining that following our previous meeting, I had a conversation with the President. During this discussion, I emphasized the critical issues raised by the labor union.
I implored the TUC to exercise patience, sharing that, before the President departed for the United Nations General Assembly in New York, he was fully briefed on the matters at hand. Furthermore, he provided clear directives on how to proceed with the issues, especially after his interaction with labor leaders.”
He revealed that the Federal government has been making efforts to address the issues laid on the ground and stated that the presence of the TUc demonstrated their commitment to the betterment of Nigeria and their openness to dialogue, which is essential for fostering greater industrial harmony.
On their part, TUC President Comrade Festus Osifo expressed appreciation but stressed the need for tangible actions rather than mere promises. Workers were growing increasingly impatient due to the hardships resulting from subsidy removal. The workforce faced mounting pressures, making the TUC leadership restless.
Osifo, however, conveyed the hope that within the next two weeks, the President would take concrete steps to reach a resolution that would help alleviate the tension and the looming threat of service withdrawal by workers.
