The meeting between the Federal Government and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on addressing palliatives following the removal of fuel subsidies ended without a resolution on Monday.
News About Nigeria gathered that the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, convened the meeting to address the concerns raised by the NLC, which had threatened strike action.
Lalong acknowledged the NLC’s role in advocating for workers’ welfare and praised their dedication. He also recognized the valid grievances that led to recent labour disputes, while pleading the need to consider the country’s economic realities.
Meanwhile, NLC President Joe Ajaero expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the palliative distribution following the removal of the fuel subsidy.
He explained that the two-day warning strike earlier in September was on account of workers’ frustration. Ajaero also lamented that none of the workers’ demands had been met by the government since the strike action.
During the meeting, Ajaero raised concerns about the Nigerian Police’s interference in the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) leadership, terming it a coup that must be condemned.
On specific issues discussed, Ajaero mentioned that the NURTW crisis was addressed, but no agreements were reached on other fuel subsidy-related matters, such as the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) or the state of refineries.
The NLC President warned that if no progress is made by the end of the ultimatum issued to the government, an indefinite strike would commence.
Ajaero also mentioned that the NLC remains committed to advocating for the rights and welfare of workers while urging the government to address the concerns they raised.
