ABUJA, Nigeria – The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, have suspended their planned nationwide strike over the removal of fuel subsidy.
This announcement was made on Monday, June 5, 2023, by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, following a meeting between the federal government and the unions at Aso Villa.
According to Gbajabiamila, the federal government, TUC, and NLC will establish a joint committee to review proposals for wage increases or awards and establish a timeline for implementation.
He also stated that the World Bank financed cash transfer scheme would be reviewed to consider including low-income earners.
This development comes after the NLC and TUC had earlier threatened to embark on a nationwide strike on Wednesday.
Last week, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited announced a new price template for fuel, leading to an increase in fuel pump prices from N197 per litre to over N500.
Gbajabiamila added that the meeting also agreed to review issues hindering effective delivery in the education sector and propose solutions. Plans to complete the rehabilitation of the nation’s refineries and maintain roads and expand rail networks across the country were also discussed.
In conclusion, Gbajabiamila stated that the NLC had agreed to suspend the strike notice to enable further consultations and secure closure on the resolutions.
The resolution was endorsed by the Presidents and Secretaries of the NLC and TUC, and Ms Kachollom Daju, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour Employment.
