…as Tinubu promises PH Refinery becomes operative December
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), have resolved to return to negotiations with government, after a day of nationwide protests Wednesday, that rattled authorities and pointed to the possibility of more unpleasant things to come.
The NLC and TUC, in a statement Wednesday evening, expressed their readiness to return to the negotiating table with the Federal Government to address “anti-poor people policies”.
The statement was signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero and TUC President Festus Osifo.
Labour’s vexations with government include the removal fuel subsidy, resulting in petrol price hikes, the free float of the naira and wage contentions, among other matters,
Ajaero and Osifo met with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in the thick of the protest Wednesday and emerged to announce that the President had made acceptable commitments and in good faith.
“On the strength of the President’s pledge and commitment, we have decided for a return to a new and reinvigorated dialogue process to allow for full implementation,” the statement read.
“Once again, we thank Nigerians, while we wait for the Government to fulfill its own part of the understanding as agreed with His Excellency; the President.”
Both men said they were assured by the request of the President to meet with the leadership of the NLC and TUC in a closed-door session as well as the outcome of the meeting.
They said the meeting was fruitful and that the president committed to an immediate restructuring of the framework for engagement in line with the input of the Labour leaders
“He let out a certainty that the Portharcourt Refinery will commence production by December this year,” the unions stated.
“He pledged to ensure that Agreement is reached on the Wage Award for Nigerian workers immediately. He promised to unveil a workable roadmap to the CNG alternative next week.”
