Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha has assured the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) of FG’s readiness to resume the payment of wage award to workers this Week.
Onyejeocha gave the assurance in Abuja at a meeting with the leadership of the two unions.
The meeting was on account of labour ultimatum to government on the implementation of the 16-point agreement reached with them on 2nd October, 2023.
The Minister had convened the meeting to brief the Labour on the progress of the implementation of the agreement, and to reaffirm government’s commitment to the agreement.
Onyejeocha also appealed to the Organized Labour to withdraw it’s 14-day ultimatum.
She said government had stepped up efforts to complete the implementation of the agreement.
“It is true we entered into an agreement, but the government has shown good faith, and considering the urgency of the issue at hand, I called this meeting because dialogue has always been the best way out, and we are all for the well-being of our people. I am here to show good cause on why some agreement has not been met.’’ She noted.
Onyejeocha maintained that some items in the agreement could only be achieved in stages, as she hoped that the discussion would lead to the rescinding of the ultimatum by labour.
She expressed assurance of the President’s sincerity of purpose and unflinching dedication to the implementation of that agreement.
On the CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) buses, Programme Director and Chief Executive of the Presidential CNG initiative, Mr Michael Oluwagbemi, explained that government had made 70% payment for the procurement of new CNG buses and CNG kits.
Mr Oluwagbemi said while some of the buses were ready, they expect to start assembling others locally including the tricycles between March and April 2024.
The meeting agreed on an immediate joint inspection visit to the Port Harcourt Refinery for Labour to confirm the reported progress made in getting the refinery back to operation.
Comrade Ajaero declared their resolve to stand by the ultimatum, and stated that every party to the agreement should endeavour to live up to expectation for the interest of Nigerians and the government.
He stated that organised labour would always fulfil its part of the bargain, so long as the federal government would do same.
The Deputy President of TUC, Dr Tommy Okon demanded immediate implementation of the signed agreement.
