Worried by the impending nationwide indefinite strike, billed to commence on Monday, June 3, 2024, by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), the National Assembly, on Sunday, intervened to avert it.
The decision to embark on strike by the Labour organisations followed the deadlock between the Federal Government and the Labour Unions in agreeing on a new national minimum wage and reversal of the recent hike in electricity tariffs.
Consequently, the leadership of the National Assembly, comprising the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, called a meeting with the Labour unions and some Ministers, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).
According to a statement jointly signed on Sunday by Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Senate Spokesman and Rep. Akin Rotimi, Jr, House Spokesman, the National Assembly is taking proactive steps to mediate and avert the impending industrial action, which would have severe repercussions on the populace and economy.
Part of the statement reads: “As a responsive parliament, the leadership of the National Assembly, comprising the President of the Senate, H.E. Senator Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, is taking proactive steps to mediate and avert the impending industrial action, which would have severe repercussions on the populace and economy.
“The National Assembly notes that both parties have tenable reasons for their respective positions.
“In view of this, the National Assembly Leadership and the Chairmen of the Senate and House Committees on Labour, Employment and Productivity respectively, Senator Diket Plang, and Rep. Adegboyega Adefarati, are looking to engage both parties in constructive dialogue and explore a variety of solutions in addressing the issues at hand.
“The 10th National Assembly is committed to ensuring that the interests of all parties are fairly represented.
“We further urge all stakeholders to remain patient and cooperative as we work diligently to find a mutually acceptable resolution in the best interest of the country.”
At the time of filing this report, the National Assembly leadership, Labour unions and other stakeholders were still in a closed session, to possibly resolve the impasse.
Ministers in the meeting include Finance, Wale Edu, Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu, Information and National Orientation, Muhammad Idris, Agriculture (State), Senator Sabi Abdullahi and Labour, Nkiruka Onyejeocha the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.