The Federal Government has told the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) that it remained committed to the full implementation of all agreements reached with them.
But government said in response to the 14-day ultimatum issued by the two labour groups, that it was not practicable to implement all the agreements in one fell swoop.
The NLC, in its own reaction to criticism of its threat to go on strike at the expiration of the ultimatum, said it does not necessarily enjoy embarking on strike and that it calls out workers only to correct the wrongs in the country.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja yesterday, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, said government had no intention of reneging on the contents of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed with the two labour organisations, and urged them to continue demonstrating restraint in their decisions and actions as the government keeps working to address the challenges currently faced by the nation.
The minister said that the government would continue leveraging on “the principles of social dialogue, valuing the input of our social partners, with the goal of creating a better Nigeria for all.”
Her words: “We will ensure the complete implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) we entered into with Organised Labour. Our word is our bond.
“I can confidently say that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration stands firmly with the people, and the President is tirelessly working to ensure that everything is done to address the needs and concerns of the nation.
“The N35,000 wage award agreed upon between the government and organised labour is currently being implemented.
“However, we have received complaints regarding non-implementation in some public sector organisations as well as the private sector.
“The Ministry is actively addressing these issues to ensure compliance across all sectors.
“The Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) has intervened in the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) matter with the Lagos State Government.
“As a result, up to 80% of the agreement with the RTEAN management has been fulfilled, and ongoing efforts are in place to complete the remaining process.”
