The leadership of organized labor has stated its intent to proceed with major actions planned after a 14-day ultimatum, should the federal government fail to address the issues highlighted by them. This ultimatum was issued due to what they describe as the government’s failure to implement a 16-point agreement from negotiations in October of the previous year.
In an effort to avert the proposed strike action announced last Thursday, the federal government, through Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, appealed to the labor unions, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), to reconsider their decision. Onyejeocha reassured them that the government is committed to resuming the N35,000 wage award payments to workers, a promise that has been fulfilled only twice since its initiation in September 2023, leading workers to label the situation as “unfair.”
During a meeting with the leaderships of both the NLC and TUC, Onyejeocha highlighted the government’s efforts toward fulfilling the agreements and convened the meeting to update the labor centers on the progress. She emphasized the government’s good faith and the importance of dialogue, acknowledging that while some aspects of the agreement require phased implementation, the government is determined to meet its obligations.
Despite the government’s assurances, NLC President Joe Ajaero urged for concrete actions to meet the deadline of the 14-day ultimatum, which began on February 9, 2024. Ajaero emphasized the labor organizations’ commitment to their demands and the necessity for all parties to honor their commitments for the benefit of Nigerians and the government. He affirmed that as long as the federal government fulfills its part of the agreement, the Congress will uphold its commitments.