Following a meeting with representatives of the government in the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the Nigerian labour unions have decided to call off the planned strike for Wednesday, June 5.
Despite two days of talks between the two sides, no agreement was reached to end the planned industrial action.
President Bola Tinubu removed fuel subsidies with opposition from labour unions, which led to a nationwide increase in gasoline prices of almost N500 per litre.
Joe Ajaero, the President, of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and his group arrived at the presidential residence on Monday at 5:45 p.m.
At the Sunday meeting between representatives of the government and organised labour, the NLC was not present.
However, there were TUC (Trade Union Congress) representatives present.
Speaker of the House of Representatives Femi Gbajabiamila, Dele Alake, spokesperson for the delegation of the federal government, Mele Kyari, group CEO of NNPCL, Adams Oshiomhole, and Ibikunle Amosun, a former governor of Ogun State, were among the federal government representatives present at the meeting on Monday.
According to reports, the labour unions had agreed to call off the strike in exchange for the government announcing plans to lessen the impact of the loss of fuel subsidies on Nigerians.
The Federal Government, the TUC, and the NLC, according to Gbajabiamila, will form a joint committee to examine any proposed salary increases or awards and to set a framework and timetable for implementation.
cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal on Nigerians.
Gbajabiamila said the Federal Government, the TUC and the NLC would establish a joint committee to review the proposal for any wage increase or award and establish a framework and timeline for implementation.
“The Federal Government, the TUC and the NLC would review World Bank Financed Cash transfer scheme and propose inclusion of low-income earners in the programme,” Gbajabiamila said.
“The Federal Government, the TUC and the NLC to revive the CNG conversion programme earlier agreed with Labour centres in 2021 and work out detailed implementation and timing.
“The Labour centres and the Federal Government to review issues hindering effective delivery in the education sector and propose solutions for implementation.
“The Labour centres and the Federal Government to review and establish the framework for completion of the rehabilitation of the nation’s refineries.
“The Federal Government to provide a framework for the maintenance of roads and expansion of rail networks across the country.”
The National Industrial Court restrained the workers unions from starting any kind of strike before the meeting.
Justice O.Y. Anuwe made a decision based on an exparte application submitted to the court, preventing the defendants (the TUC and the NLC) from going on the scheduled nationwide strike on Wednesday while the motion of notice dated June 5, 2023 is heard and decided.
The judge further directed that the originating proceedings, the motion on notice, and the court order must all be served on the defendants right away, the judge further directed.
