Strike: Details Of FG And Organised Labour Meeting Revealed

In a pivotal development concerning the ongoing nationwide strike, details have emerged from the meeting between the Federal Government, led by Bola Tinubu, and Organised Labour. The session, attended by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of Labour and Employment Simon Lalong, and other government officials, aimed to address the pressing issues leading to the national industrial action.

National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu had earlier announced the arrest of the attackers of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) leader Joe Ajaero, appealing to labour unions to end the strike. At the conclusion of the meeting, TUC President Festus Osifo, leading other labour leaders, spoke to reporters, emphasizing the robust nature of the discussions.

Osifo stated, “We had a lot of robust conversations where a lot of assurances were given in furtherance to the release that the NSA issued this morning, that some people had been apprehended, and that he would coordinate the investigation.”

The TUC president highlighted that the promises made during the meeting would be taken to their respective organs for further consideration and communication. Osifo affirmed, “We then said, let’s go back; we will re-appraise the conversations that we’ve had, and we will communicate accordingly.”

Flanked by NLC Secretary-General Emmanuel Ugboaja, TUC Secretary-General Nuhu Toro, and other labour leaders, Osifo conveyed that the strike was a symptom of underlying problems, and the discussions aimed at addressing these root issues.

Minister of Labour and Employment Simon Lalong, addressing journalists, revealed that the meeting took place at the office of the NSA due to security considerations associated with the strike. Lalong expressed satisfaction with the discussions, acknowledging the genuine and fruitful dialogue on steps taken by the government to address labour concerns.

The government officials welcomed the labour leaders’ commitment to taking the outcomes of the meeting back to their members and considering the government’s plea to call off the strike in the national interest. The meeting included Minister of State for Labour and Employment Nkeiruka Onyeajeocha, Acting Permanent Secretary of the Labour Ministry Emmanuel Igbinosa, and the Director of Trade Union Services.