The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called off its planned nationwide protest, which was scheduled to start on Monday, after reaching an agreement with the government on the issues of minimum wage, fuel price, and electricity tariff. The NLC said that it had suspended the protest in the interest of the nation and the workers, and that it had resolved to dialogue with the government on the outstanding matters.
The NLC had threatened to embark on a nationwide protest, following the failure of the government to implement the new minimum wage of N30,000 ($80) for all workers, and to reverse the recent increases in the fuel price and the electricity tariff, which it said had worsened the living conditions of the workers and the masses. The NLC had also accused the government of violating the agreements and memoranda of understanding that it had signed with the labor unions on these issues.
The government, however, had appealed to the NLC to shelve the protest, and to engage in constructive dialogue and negotiation with the government. The government had said that it was committed to the welfare and well-being of the workers and the citizens, and that it was working hard to address the challenges and opportunities facing the country, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The government had also said that it had implemented the new minimum wage for the federal workers, and that it was urging the state governments to do the same for their workers. The government had also said that it had reduced the fuel price and the electricity tariff, and that it had introduced several palliatives and subsidies to cushion the effects of the adjustments on the consumers.
The NLC and the government met on Sunday, in a marathon meeting that lasted for several hours, and reached a compromise on the issues of contention. The NLC said that it had agreed to call off the protest, after the government had assured it that it would expedite the implementation of the new minimum wage, and that it would review the fuel price and the electricity tariff, in consultation with the stakeholders.
The NLC said that it had also agreed to set up a joint committee with the government, to monitor and evaluate the implementation of the agreements and the memoranda of understanding, and to report back to the parties within a specified period. The NLC said that it had also agreed to hold regular meetings with the government, to discuss and resolve any emerging or pending issues that may affect the workers and the nation.
The NLC said that it was satisfied with the outcome of the meeting, and that it appreciated the government’s willingness and readiness to dialogue and negotiate with the labor unions. The NLC said that it hoped that the government would keep its promises and honor its obligations, and that it would not resort to any unilateral or arbitrary actions that may undermine the agreements and the trust.
The NLC said that it was also grateful to the workers and the public, for their solidarity and support, and for their preparedness to participate in the protest. The NLC said that it hoped that the suspension of the protest would pave the way for a peaceful and harmonious relationship between the workers and the government, and for a better and prosperous Nigeria.
Source: Tribune Online
