Federal Government has called on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to suspend its proposed 2-Day Nationwide warning strike over economic hardship.
Gatekeepers News reports that the appeal was made by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Mr. Simon Lalong, during a press conference held in Abuja on Monday.
The NLC had announced plans to begin the 2-day warning strike from September 5 to September 6.
Additionally, the NLC threatened to launch an indefinite nationwide strike within 14 working days or 21 days from when their communique was issued unless the Federal Government addressed the prevailing suffering among Nigerians.
Minister Lalong said that the appeal was important in maintaining open communication channels with Nigerians, especially organised labour, to prevent any disruptions in industrial peace.
He expressed concerns that the planned strike could potentially reverse some of the gains achieved by the current administration.
“As such action would be detrimental to the gains already being recorded on our course to securing a greater future for Nigerian workers and citizens at large.
“Furthermore, I would request that the Comrade Leadership of the NLC gives this government some time to settle and address the issues on the ground holistically.
“It should be realised that the Cabinet of this administration was only recently sworn in by Mr President and all cabinet members have hit the ground running by receiving briefings from their MDAs.
“Therefore, the issues raised by the leadership of the NLC are some issues that I and the Minister of State for Labour and Employment are being briefed upon,” he said.
The Minister reassured Nigerian workers of the government’s commitment to appreciating their support and understanding, stating that their contributions are valued.
He also stated that the government would continue to implement policies aimed at creating substantial employment opportunities across various sectors of the economy.
Lalong added that this would enable government look into immediate challenges that have emerged out of its policies, saying “we cannot do this in an atmosphere devoid of industrial peace.”
Furthermore, the Minister stated that he had not yet received official communication from the NLC following its NEC meeting, as required by law. He encouraged the NLC to follow due processes for addressing such matters since the cabinet is ready to engage.
He concluded by assuring that all issues raised by the NLC would be carefully examined one by one.
“Allow me to first express my sympathy and that of the government of President Bola Tinubu to Nigerians and in particular the workers.
“That is over the challenges that have arisen from the removal of petrol subsidy and other policies of the government aimed at renewing hope for the future of our dear nation.
“In light of these matters, I would like to reiterate my appeal to the leadership of the NLC to suspend the warning strike and subsequent future actions.
“To allow us to work together to amicably resolve these issues rather than embark on actions that would further worsen the conditions of the citizens of Nigeria,” he said.
