In a bid to stop the proposed strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), President Bola Tinubu has approved N35,000 provisional wage award for all treasury-paid federal government workers for six months.
The president’s approval came after further consultations between the federal government delegation and the leadership of the NLC and TUC on Sunday.
At the meeting held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the federal government committed to the provision of funds for micro and small-scale enterprises as well as waivers on VAT on diesel for the next six months.
The government announced that it will commence payments of N75,000 to 15 million households at N25,000 per month for three months from October to December 2023.
On the cost of transportation, which has shot the prices of goods and services high in the market, the government expressed its commitment to fast-track the provision of compressed natural gas (CNG) buses to ease public transportation difficulties associated with the removal of petrol subsidies.
Key resolutions reached by both parties at the meeting after extensive discussions were contained in a statement signed by the Minister of Information and National Opinion, Mohammed Idris.
“It was stressed that the outstanding issues can only be resolved when workers are actively engaged in their roles and not during strikes.
“Labour unions advocated for a higher wage award, and the Federal Government Team assured that Labor’s request would be presented to President Bola Tinubu for further deliberation.
“A sub-committee will be established to work out the implementation details of all items concerning government interventions aimed at mitigating the effects of fuel subsidy removal.
“The ongoing issue between the Road Transport Employees Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) and the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Lagos State was recognized as requiring urgent attention. Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who attended virtually, pledged to resolve the matter.
“The NLC and TUC agreed to consider the offers made by the Federal Government to temporarily suspend the planned strike. This pause will allow for further consultations regarding the implementation of the resolutions mentioned above,” he stated.
