The Nigerian Labour Congres, on Monday night, confirmed that it will no longer proceed with its nationwide strike planned for Wednesday.
The resolution was announced by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila and confirmed by the President of the Nigerian Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, after nearly seven-hours meeting between the Federal Government and the organised labour at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
At Monday’s meeting, the parties agreed that “The NLC to suspend notice of strike forthwith to enable further consultations.
“The TUC and the NLC to continue ongoing engagements with the Federal Government and secure closure on the resolutions.
“The labour centres and the Federal Government to meet on June 19, 2023, to agree on an implementation framework.”
Other key resolutions include establishing a joint committee comprising the Federal Government, and organised labour to review proposals for wage increase upward.
Additionally, the World Bank financed cash transfer scheme will be reviewed, with a focus on proposing the inclusion of low-income earners in the program.
NLC and TUC with their affiliate bodies had issues circular directing their members to suspend work, due to the withdrawal of petroleum subsidy announced by President Bola Tinubu at his inauguration.
Analysts have seen the move as an ambush to frustrate the Labor Party and the Peoples Democratic Party, whose Presidential Candidates had file a petition against the outcome of the 2023 Presidential election in which Tinubu was declared winner.
It was felt that the Federal Government announced the subsidy removal without consultations or audit of the ramifications to foist a fait accompli on the candidate of the two opposition parties, whose matter would be frustrated by the lapse of time should Judiciary workers go on strike and they are unable to continue and obtain judgment in their cases in court within the statutory 180 days.
A source within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC had hinted that it was part of their strategic plan to frustrate the on-going litigations.
