Subsidy: NLC, TUC suspend nationwide strike

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have called off the planned nationwide strike over the removal of fuel subsidy.

Femi Gbajabiamila, the President’s Chief of Staff, made the announcement on Monday night following a meeting between the federal government and labour unions in Aso Villa.

According to him, the Federal Government, the TUC, and the NLC would form a joint committee to review any wage increase or award proposal and develop a framework and timeline for implementation.

“The Federal Government, the TUC, and the NLC would review the World Bank-financed Cash Transfer Scheme and propose including low-income earners in the program,” according to a communiqué issued following the meeting.

Last Wednesday, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited revealed a new nationwide fuel price template.

Fuel pump price increased from N197 per litre to over N500 as a result of this situation.

Gbajabiamila further said the members had agreed to review obstacles impeding efficient education delivery and suggest solutions for implementation.

“The Labour Centres and the Federal Government will review and establish a framework for the completion of the nation’s refinery rehabilitation.”

“The Federal Government provides a framework for the maintenance of roads and the expansion of rail networks throughout the country,” he said. “All other demands submitted by the TUC to the Federal Government will be assessed by the joint committee,” he said.

He stressed that the NLC agreed to postpone the strike notice immediately so as to enable further deliberations, as well as to continue existing engagements and secure settlements.

The motion was supported by the NLC and TUC Presidents and Secretaries, as well as Ms Kachollom Daju, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Employment.