Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, is begging the Trade Union Congress, TUC and the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, to suspend their planned strike over minimum wage negotiations, insisting it is not in the best interest of the country and its people.
The Minister in a statement signed by her Special Adviser on Media, Emameh Gabriel, cautioned that declaring a strike in the middle of ongoing negotiations would not only compound the economic woes but also exacerbate the suffering of millions of Nigerians who are already struggling to make a living from their daily endeavours.
Denying Labour’s allegation, the Minister noted that the government has consistently demonstrated commitment and goodwill throughout the negotiations, explaining further that the government’s proposals were carefully crafted, taking into account the country’s economic realities and incorporating innovative solutions.
She said the proposals include a comprehensive package featuring a wage increase to N60,000 for federal workers, the introduction of CNG-fueled buses, and enhanced financial access for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, MSMEs as well as the government pledged investments in strategic sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, education, healthcare and many others that are already in the pipeline.
The Minister warned that the government is careful about any new minimum wage, to avoid widespread job losses, particularly in the Organised Private Sector, which employs bulk of the country workforce.
In the meantime, in compliance with the Organised Labour’s decision, the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG in a statement signed by its General Secretary, Afolabi Olawola has directed its members to shutdown all operations including distribution and marketing of petroleum products, as well as filling stations, from midnight of Sunday, June 2, 2024.
