The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have suspended the planned strike scheduled to commence on Wednesday, May 7, 2023 over the removal of petrol subsidy.
The organised labour announced the suspension of the proposed nationwide strike and mass protest after a meeting of its leaders and representatives of the federal government.
The labour centres and the federal government are to reconvene on June 19 to further the negotiation.
In attendance were Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, former Governor of Edo State Adams Oshiomole, former Labour Minister of State Festus Keyamo, and Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.
The outcome of the meeting was announced by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the incoming Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, to the State House correspondents and confirmed by the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, after an almost 6-hour meeting between representatives of the Federal Government and organized labour at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Gbajabiamila, while reading the communiqué which was signed by the representatives of the Federal Government and the leadership of the labour unions, stated that an agreement was struck between the NLC, TUC and the team set up by President Bola Tinubu to discuss the issues arising from the subsidy removal.
The Speaker said the Federal Government, the TUC and the NLC would establish a joint committee to review the proposal for any wage increase or award and establish a framework and timeline for implementation.
Part of the the communiqué reads, “The Federal Government, the TUC and the NLC would review World Bank Financed Cash transfer scheme and propose inclusion of low-income earners in the programme.
“The Federal Government, the TUC and the NLC to revive the CNG conversion programme earlier agreed with Labour centres in 2021 and work out detailed implementation and timing.
“The Labour centres and the Federal Government to review issues hindering effective delivery in the education sector and propose solutions for implementation.
“The Labour centres 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 follows:
“The NLC to 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 Centres and the Federal Government to meet on June 19, 2023, to agree on an implementation framework.”
