By Isaac Akerele
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) on Thursday asked the Federal Government to honour the 16-point agreement both parties reached to alleviate the removal of petrol subsidy which it has failed to implement. They issued A 14-day ultimatum for a response to their demands
In a statement signed by both leaders of the labour unions, Joe Ajaero and Festus Usifo, they said that despite the space of time they gave, major parts of the agreement was left unattended. This, the statement reads, is a ‘blatant disregard for the principles of good faith, welfare and rights of Nigerian workers and Nigerians’
While they made it clear that the agreements reached with the Federal Government sought to alleviate the suffering occasioned by a ill-conceived and poorly executed hike in the price of fuel and the devaluation of naira, the labour Congress said the Government is obligated to honour these terms since they had been understanding of the high-handed policies
The statement reads “Widespread Hunger is now ravishing millions of Nigerians, with the workers’ purchasing power significantly eroded, while insecurity has assumed an increasing dimension. Nigerians are left wondering where their next meals will come from and what tomorrow might bring.
“The level of panic and anxiety amongst the populace has become nightmarish unfortunately, in the midst of all these, it appears our government is bereft of appropriate measures to ameliorate the huge burden it has foisted on the citizenry.
“We wish to state that these agreements, which encompass a wide range of issues crucial to the well-being of Nigerian masses and workers, have not been honored as pledged by the Federal Government.
“From Wage Awards, Palliative adjustments to improved access to public utilities; to the meddlesomeness in the internal affairs of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the interference by the Lagos State Government in union activities, the case of illegal and unlawful proscription of Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria RTEAN.
“The government’s failure to uphold its end of the bargain is deeply regrettable and unacceptable to the Working people and the citizenry” the statement read
As a result, the Labour Congress claims it regrets to resort to such measures, but in ensuring the protection and defense of the rights and dignity of Nigerian workers and citizens, it gives a stern ultimatum to the Federal Government, to “honour their part of the understanding within 14 Days from tomorrow, the 9th day of February 2024”
“Our patience has worn thin and the situation has become unbearable for workers and masses all over the federation. Further silence amounts to committing mass suicide and this remains the only feasible course of action left for us and Nigerians to -compel remedial action by the government” they said
