The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have decided to suspend their planned nationwide strike in response to the removal of fuel subsidy. This resolution was reached after a six-hour meeting involving representatives from the FG and the labor unions.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, and the newly elected Chief of Staff announced the outcome of the meeting, which was later confirmed by the President of the Nigerian Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
As a result of the meeting, it was agreed upon to establish a joint committee consisting of the federal government, TUC, and NLC. This committee's purpose is to evaluate any proposed wage increases or awards and establish a framework and timetable for their implementation.
Additionally, several initiatives were discussed during the meeting, including reviewing the World Bank Financed Cash transfer scheme to potentially include low-income earners, reviving the CNG conversion program, addressing issues in the education sector, completing the rehabilitation of the nation's refineries, and developing a framework for road maintenance and expansion of rail networks across the country.
All other demands presented by the TUC to the federal government will be carefully assessed by the joint committee. As part of the agreement, the NLC will immediately suspend the strike notice, allowing for further consultations, while the TUC and NLC will continue engaging with the federal government to finalize the resolutions. A meeting has been scheduled for June 19, 2023, where the labor centers and the federal government will come together to agree on an implementation framework.
