The proposed indefinite strike by organized labour, scheduled to begin on October 3, may be postponed.
This came after a meeting with the FG on Sunday between the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and the Trade Union Congress, TUC.
During the meeting, the Federal Government, led by President Bola Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and the leadership of organized labor, led by NLC President Mr Joe Ajaero, were able to strike some agreements.
According to Gbajabiamila, the FG has agreed to devise steps to settle the dispute caused by the elimination of subsidies.
Following the discussion, the NLC president pledged to meet with union members to consider the FG’s offers in order to postpone the planned strike.
According to a statement issued by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mallam Mohammed Idris, the government agreed to pay N25,000 as a six-month provisional wage boost to all treasury-paid federal government employees.
It also stated its intention to expedite the deployment of compressed natural gas (CNG) buses to alleviate the public transportation challenges related with the elimination of the PMS subsidy.
“The Federal Government commits to the provision of funds for micro and small-scale enterprises.
“VAT on diesel will be waived for the next 6 months. FG will commence payment of N75,000 to 15 million households at N25,000 per month, for a three-month period from October-December 2023”.
According to the statement, the FG and the organized labour resolved that “the issues in dispute can only be resolved when workers are at work and not when they are on strike”.
“Labour Unions argued for higher wage award and the Federal Government Team promised to present Labour’s request to President Bola Tinubu for further consideration.
“A sub-committee to be constituted to work out the details of implementation of all items for consideration regarding government interventions to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal.
“The lingering matter of Road Transport Employees Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) and National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Lagos State needs to be addressed urgently and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who participated virtually, pledged to resolve the matter”, the statement added.