Following a “fruitful” meeting between the unions and the Federal Government, the ongoing nationwide strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, may be called off shortly.
The Minister of Labour, Simon Bako Lalong, and the Minister of State for Labour, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyeajeocha, met with the striking unions on Wednesday, according to Platinum Times.
The meeting was held in the office of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, who was also present.
The development occurred on the heels of the organized labor’s statewide strike on November 1 in response to the brutalization of NLC President Joe Ajaero in Owerri, Imo State.
The organized labor movement is calling for the arrest and prosecution of the accused political thugs who assaulted the NLC President and other workers while protesting unpaid wages.
The strike, which began on Tuesday, has stifled economic activity in several sections of the country.
The Minister of Labour told journalists at State House shortly after the meeting with labor leaders that it was beneficial.
He explained that, following lengthy deliberations, the labor leaders agreed to report back to their constituents and reverse.
He said,
“The meeting was in respect to what happened especially in Imo State and this meeting has heavy security considerations that is why we took the meeting at the office of the National Security Adviser.
“All the labour leaders were also here with us. We had a very fruitful discussion. They have also agreed to take it back home to their constituencies so that they can suspend the strike.”
Also speaking, TUC President Comrade Festus Osifo said the Federal Government made several appeals and promises which may lead to the suspension of the strike.
He said,
“We had a robust conversation where a lot of assurances were given in furtherance to the release that was made by the NSA this morning that some people have been apprehend.
“They made several appeals and promises to us so we said let’s go back and reappraise all the conversations we have had and we will communicate accordingly.”