*Says govt agents frustrate vehicles conversion to CNG for inflated price
*We got a price of N120,000, but FG agents insist on N850,000, Ajaero laments
Again, the meeting between the federal government and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) over the removal of fuel subsidies ended in deadlock, on Monday.
The meeting which was convened by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, failed to address any of the issues raised by Congress as reasons for the proposed strike.
Briefing the journalists after the meeting, Lalong expressed optimism that though it could not immediately address the issues raised by the Nigerian workers, most of their concerns will be resolved before the deadline.
“I fully acknowledge and appreciate the invaluable role the NLC plays in championing for the rights and welfare of our workers.
“Your dedication and tireless advocacy have been critical in shaping a fair and inclusive work environment, and ensuring the wellbeing of our workforce.
“We acknowledge the valid grievances that have fueled the recent labour crisis, and we are committed to addressing them in a just and equitable manner.
“We must also recognize the economic realities that confront us. As we address the concerns of our workforce, we must be mindful of striking a balance that promotes economic growth and secures sustainable progress for our nation.
“Today, I call upon each one of you to join hands in an open-minded and constructive dialogue, enabling us to bridge any gaps that may exist between the interests of workers and the ultimate goal of driving economic advancement.
“In the spirit of unity and with utmost commitment to the betterment of our nation, let us seize this opportunity to listen and understand one another.
“Together, let us explore innovative approaches, reimagining strategies that enhance working conditions and worker benefits while nurturing a robust economy,” Lalong stated.
He expressed optimism that a constructive dialogue which has just began will lead to resolution of the issues on the ground.
On his part, the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, said the two-day warning strike earlier embarked on by the union was necessitated by frustration on the part of the working class.
Among its demands are to address the consequences of petrol price hikes, review the minimum wage, provide a workable roadmap to the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) alternative, fix the country’s refineries, and pay lecturers’ salary arrears.
“Even the issue as simple as cash transfer or bringing buses on the road, nothing has happened to them. So, it’s a lack of willingness and we can’t muddle up all these issues.
“Then you call a minimum wage as wage award. If anybody is looking at the issue of wage award as minimum wage, then there’s confusion within that class of people.”
Citing a 2021 agreement on CNG vehicles reached with the then Minister of State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva, the labour leader argued it was clear that a million vehicles could be converted within three months.
Ajaero decried the Federal Government’s 2024 projection to deploy CNG buses for a more affordable mass transit system as deceit.
“If anybody is telling you that until next year, nothing could be done, I’m telling you that the person is not telling us the truth,” he said.
“What is so peculiar about next year when these processes will start? Is it that there are no CNG vehicles that can run on the road, or we can’t have some stations, even with IPMAN saying that their filling stations are available?”
He stated that the NLC met with Innoson and others capable of converting vehicles to be powered by CNG where they agred on a cost of N120,000, expressing shock that government officials jerked up the cost to N800,000 and insisting it should be so.
He wondered why corruption had wreath learg in every facet of the country, steessing that NLC will take none of that.
Expressing his displeasure on the way government was handling the palliative scheme amidst the subsidy removal policy, Ajaero said none of the demands raised by workers, which government pledged to meet has been met despite the two-day warning strike.
The apex Labour union said not that workers were keen on embarking on strike but recent developments in the labour sector, particularly the crisis in the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) where the police have taken over the secretariat leaves much to be desired.
Before the meeting broke into a closed door session, Lalong had in his opening remarks said the country was witnessing teething challenges, marked by industrial actions and unrest that have adversely affected the economy.
“We had a meaningful discussion on issues relating to our demands. We equally discussed frankly on issues bordering on the coup plotted and executed by the Nigerian Police against the NURTW, which had led to the sideling of the democratically elected leadership of the union. Both parties agreed that to express concern about.
“This is one sore area that the Nigerian Trade Union is not ready to compromise is that coup must be condemned, whether it is in Niger, whether it’s in Congo, whether it’s in Mali or whether it’s in the trade Union movement in Nigeria,” he told newsmen.
When asked the specific issues considered at the meeting, Ajaero said: ” in the ultimatum we gave and in the NEC resolution, the issue of NURTW was clearly stated and it was at the time the issue has not degenerated the way it is now. That was why we had to bring it along with issues.
He said based on the ultimatum issued by the congress, if no progress was made before the expiration, an indefinite strike would commence.
