Nigeria stands on the precipice. A nationwide strike looms, threatening to engulf the nation in less than a day. Yesterday, discussions between the Federal Government and dominant labor unions – the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) – hit a major roadblock.
So, what’s causing the tension? At the heart of it all is President Bola Tinubu’s proposition: a N25,000 salary increment for entry-level employees. This measure aims to ease the sting of eliminating the petrol subsidy.
However, the atmosphere remains thick with disagreement. Yet, there’s hope. Both sides have agreed to reconvene their discussions at 4 p.m. today.
Interestingly, inside sources shed light on the unions’ determined stance. In a bold move, they challenged the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi. The message was clear: if the government pushes its court order threats, it better be ready to incarcerate them all.
In his 63rd Independence Day address, President Tinubu championed the wage rise as a buffer against surging inflation. But, the labor leaders argue it’s insufficient. They are pushing for a 200% salary hike, demanding the increase cover all workers, and not be restricted to just six months.
Moreover, they advocate for a beefed-up conditional cash transfer – from N5,000 to N25,000 – for 15 million of Nigeria’s most vulnerable.
The dialogue, held at Abuja’s Presidential Villa, spanned almost four hours. Femi Gbajabiamila, the government’s main representative, paused the talks briefly to consult President Tinubu on labor’s new demands.
Key points revolved around potential tax reliefs for those with lower incomes, a halt on the Value Added Tax (VAT) on diesel for a six-month period, and a commitment to introduce Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses soon.
After the talks, Gbajabiamila expressed cautious optimism. He voiced hopes the labor unions would consider the government’s offers and perhaps halt their strike. He stressed that the wage rise would now include all workers.
Echoing this sentiment, NLC President Joe Ajaero hinted future actions hinge on the government’s offers. He said, “Our organs will determine our next steps in response to the government’s proposals.”
In preparation for the potential strike, the NLC and TUC have mobilized zonal strike coordination committees. Their mission? To ensure, if the strike does kick off, it’s impactful.
As these events unfold, a concerned Nigeria watches closely. Citizens hope for a quick resolution to stave off the strike and its expected blow to the nation’s economy.
