Representatives of the Federal Government are presently engaged in discussions with Organised Labour to address the ongoing nationwide strike. The meeting is taking place at the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) in Abuja.
Key participants in the meeting include the NSA, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Bako Lalong, and the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyeajeocha, among other government officials. Additionally, Labour leaders, led by the Trade Union Congress (TUC) President, Comrade Festus Osifo, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Secretary-General, Emmanuel Ugboaja, and other union leaders, are also present.
The nationwide strike was initiated by the NLC and TUC on Tuesday in protest of the assault on NLC President Joe Ajaero and other labour leaders in Owerri, Imo State, on November 1. Organized Labour’s grievances include issues such as outstanding salary arrears, the alleged wrongful declaration of 11,000 workers as ghost employees, unsettled gratuities, non-compliance with the N30,000 minimum wage act, and the alleged declaration of 10,000 pensioners as ghost retirees.
Despite a court injunction obtained by the Federal Government to restrain the NLC and TUC from proceeding with the industrial action, the unions commenced the nationwide strike. The ongoing meeting aims to find a resolution to the issues and potentially bring an end to the strike.
