Index to Nigerian Newspapers

FG, Labour's deal under threat, NLC accuses Lalong of violation

A nationwide strike is looming as the agreement between the Federal Government and Nigeria Labour Congress on measures to cushion the effects of petrol subsidy removal is threatened. The NLC accused Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, of deviating from the agreement. Organized Labour, comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and Trade Union Congress, TUC, suspended its planned nationwide strike following an agreement reached with the government on October 2, 2023, to pay N35,000 wage award to federal workers and ensure non-interference with the activities of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW). Efforts to speak with Lalong proved abortive as calls put through his mobile phone rang out without response. The Director of Press in the Ministry, Mr. Olajide Oshundun, said he had not seen the NLC statement, since the ministry was not copied. The NLC alleged that the labour minister was trying to foist a new leadership on the NURTW, in violation of both ILO Conventions 87 and 98, and the agreement reached between the government and labour. The 30-day deadline for the agreement to come into fruition to avert a nationwide strike expires in less than two weeks. The NLC vowed to continue standing by the democratically elected NURTW leadership and work with them as the legitimate representatives of workers in the transport sector.

Victor Young & Johnbosco Agbakwuru | FG/NLC/TUC | Vanguard | Monday, October 23, 2023