By Tolúlopé Olátúnjí
The Organised Labour, comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), has suspended its strike action following a joint extraordinary National Executive Council meeting. The decision came after key resolutions were reached with the Federal Government regarding an increment in the minimum wage.
The New Diplomat had reported that the NLC, via a post on X, announced that the ongoing nationwide strike would continue despite an earlier agreement with the Federal Government reached during a Monday meeting.
However, a pathway to breakthrough came after a six-hour closed-door meeting between the Federal Government and labour leaders, held at the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. This meeting culminated in a signed resolution statement.
The signatories to the resolution included the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, NLC President, Joe Ajaero, and TUC President, Festus Osifo.
After extensive discussions, both parties reportedly arrived at the following resolutions. One, that both FG and labour agreed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to a national minimum wage higher than N60,000.
Two, accordingly, the Tripartite Committee will meet daily for the next week to finalize an agreeable national minimum wage. However the Labour leaders, in deference to the President’s commitment, will convene a meeting of their organs to consider this commitment.
Also, It was agreed that no worker will be victimized as a result of their participation in the industrial action.
It is noteworthy that the Organised Labour initially called the strike to demand for a higher national minimum wage after deliberations by the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage (NMW) negotiations ended in a deadlock. This impasse led to the intervention of National Assembly leaders on June 2, 2024.
The resolution marks a significant step towards improving the welfare of Nigerian workers and demonstrates a collaborative effort between the government and labour unions to address critical economic issues.
