NLC and TUC Suspends National Strike Temporarily for 30 Days

The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, have suspended the indefinite strike scheduled to commence on Tuesday, 3rd of October, 2023.

This was disclosed in a memorandum of understanding issued after a marathon meeting held between the unions and the Federal Government.

The memorandum of understanding was signed by Comrade Joe Ajaero, President NLC, Comrade (Engr) Festus Osifo, TUC President, Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja, General Secretary NLC and Comrade Nuhu A. Toro, Secretary General, TUC.

According to the statement, the action was suspended for 30 days to allow the government to implement some of its promises.

After extensive discussions, the following agreements were reached:

The Federal Government approved a wage award of N35,000 (thirty-five thousand Naira) for all Federal Government workers, effective from September, pending the enactment of a new national minimum wage.

Within one month from the date of this agreement, a minimum wage committee will be inaugurated to address the issue comprehensively.

The Federal Government will suspend the collection of Value Added Tax (VAT) on Diesel for a period of six months, starting from October 2023.

They also agreed that various tax incentive measures for the private sector and the general public will be implemented by the Federal Government.

What the Federal Government will do?

The Federal Government will provide a monthly stipend of N25,000 for three months, starting from October 2023 to 15 million households, including vulnerable pensioners.

They will also introduce initiatives to subsidize the distribution of fertilizers to farmers nationwide.

They also agreed to encourage state governments, through the National Economic Council and Governors Forum, to consider wage awards for their workers. Similar consideration will be extended to local government and private sector workers.

Moreso, the Federal Government will allocate funds as announced by the President on August 1 for Micro and Small Scale Enterprises. MSME beneficiaries are expected to prioritize the creation of decent jobs.

The meeting had Simon Bako Lalong, Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, Hon. Dr Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, Honourable Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Mallam Mohammed Idris and Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation in attendance.