In a recent development, the Federal Government has clashed with organized labor over the looming threat of a nationwide strike within the next 14 days. The disagreement stems from the alleged failure of the government to implement agreements reached with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in October 2023.
Minister Appeals for Patience:
Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, urged the unions to exercise restraint and allow the government to address their grievances. In an interview with Findwhosabi , he emphasized the need for dialogue, stating, “We cannot afford to go on strike at this time.”
Unmet Agreements from October 2023:
The disagreement revolves around a 16-point agreement made after the removal of the fuel subsidy by President Bola Tinubu on May 29, 2023. The government committed to measures to ease the impact of subsidy removal, including a payment of N35,000 to all federal workers and the provision of 100 CNG buses nationwide to alleviate transportation costs.
Labour Sets 14-Day Ultimatum:
In a joint statement on Thursday, leaders of the NLC and TUC, Joe Ajaero and Festus Usifo, accused the government of failing to fulfill promises made five months ago. The organized labor groups issued a stern 14-day ultimatum, demanding the Federal Government to honor its part of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in October 2023.
Labour Cites Economic Consequences:
The statement highlighted the dire economic consequences of the fuel subsidy removal and the devaluation of the naira. Labour expressed concern over widespread hunger, eroded purchasing power, and increasing insecurity, pointing to the government’s failure to address these issues adequately.
Affiliated Unions to Join Strike:
Affiliated unions, including the Nigerian Union of Banks, Insurance and Finance Institution Employees and the Air Transport Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, indicated their support for the strike. The unions cited members’ hardships, including high transportation costs and increased living expenses.
Government’s Response and Possible Actions:
Minister Idris declined to comment on whether the government would seek a court injunction to stop the strike, emphasizing the need for dialogue.
Call for Government Intervention and Warning from Muslim Group:
The Jama’atu Nasril Islam, representing Nigerian Muslims, warned President Bola Tinubu against neglecting the economic hardships faced by citizens. The group called for urgent government intervention to address the challenges faced by the populace.
Legal Actions and Price Control Board Proposal:
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana explained the rationale behind his lawsuit against the Federal Government, seeking to enforce the provisions of the Price Control Act. The act, enacted in 1977, aims to control prices and prevent exploitation. Falana questioned the government’s inconsistency in controlling prices and called for intervention to make essential commodities affordable.
In response to the economic challenges, the Niger State House of Assembly initiated moves to establish a Price Control Board to regulate the prices of essential commodities. The bill, which has passed the first reading, aims to address the deteriorating supply and demand mechanism and ensure fair distribution of essential goods.