The Federal Government and organised labour have reached resolutions following an intense negotiation session aimed at ending the nationwide strike.
The meeting, held on Monday, June 3, 2024, at the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, concluded with several agreements designed to address the demands of Nigerian workers.
The strike, initiated by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), began early Monday morning to push for a new national minimum wage and other worker-related grievances, owning to lack of commitment by the government.
The intervention by the leadership of the National Assembly on June 2 was said to have set the stage for the meeting.
After exhaustive deliberations, the following resolutions were reached.
“The President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, has committed to establishing a national minimum wage that exceeds ₦60,000. This significant pledge aims to address the pressing financial concerns of workers across the country.”
The Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage will convene daily for a week to finalise an agreeable national minimum wage.
Labour leaders have agreed to convene an immediate meeting of their organs to consider the government’s proposal. This gesture indicates a willingness to engage constructively and possibly end the strike.
Both parties agreed that no worker would be victimised as a result of participating in the industrial action. This assurance aims to protect workers’ rights and maintain industrial harmony.
The resolutions were formally signed by representatives from both the Federal Government and organised labour.
Signing for the government were Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, and Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, Minister of State for Labour and Employment.
Labour was represented by Joe Ajaero, President of the NLC, and Festus Osifo, President of the TUC.
RESOLUTIONS REACHED AT THE MEETING BETWEEN THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AND THE ORGANISED LABOUR HELD ON MONDAY, 3RD JUNE, 2024.
Further to the negotiation by the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage (NMW) and subsequent withdrawal of Labour from negotiation, the Leadership… pic.twitter.com/Rnn9F4HPPL
— Fed Min of Info & Nat’l Orien (@FMINONigeria) June 3, 2024