FG Urges NLC, TUC to Suspend Nationwide Indefinite Strike

The Federal Government has stated that it’s committed to resolving some of the issues brought forward by the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress which has prompted the union to announce an indefinite strike on October 3, revealing that the Union is considering President Bola Tinubu’s request to cancel it’s proposed strike.

Mohammed Idris, the Information Minster made this known after a meeting with the NLC Chairman Joe Ajaero and Tommy Etim Okon, chairman of the TUC on Sunday thereby allowing further consultations on implementing the resolutions reached.

“Also, the federal government is committed to fast-tracking the provision of compressed natural gas (CNG) buses to ease public transportation difficulties associated with the removal of PMS subsidy. The federal government commits to the provision of funds for micro and small-scale enterprises. VAT on diesel will be waived for the next six months,” the minister explained.

In his Independence Day speech, President Tinubu announced N35,000 provisional wage increment for treasury-paid federal government workers for six months while payment of N75,000 to 15 million households at N25,000 per month for three months, from October to December 2023.

The Information boss disclosed that a sub-committee was constituted to work out details of the implementation of the issues raised so far and called for the suspension of the strike as the issues can only be resolved when workers are at work.

“A sub-committee will be constituted to work out the details of implementation of all items for consideration regarding government interventions to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal. NLC and TUC will consider the offers by the federal government to suspend the planned strike to allow for further consultations on the implementation of the resolutions above,” the minister stated.

NLC and TUC announced an indefinite strike slated for 3rd October 2023 and charged all States to mobilize members for protest.