Abuja, Nigeria | June 3, 2024 – In a significant development, a mediation meeting facilitated by the National Assembly between the Federal Government and Organised Labour has concluded positively, providing a ray of hope amid mounting economic challenges.
The meeting, which took place late Sunday at the Senate, was convened at the instance of the National Assembly Leadership. This initiative was part of their efforts to avert the potentially crippling effects of a nationwide strike action at this critical time.
During the discussions, stakeholders acknowledged the legitimacy of Organised Labour's concerns, given the prevailing economic conditions in the country. There was a unanimous agreement on the necessity for ongoing negotiations to continue, ensuring continuous engagement on the issue of wages.
In his remarks, the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, emphasized the need for a balanced approach. He cautioned, "While addressing the legitimate concerns of Organised Labour is imperative, we must be mindful that an unsustainable wage increase could trigger inflationary pressures and potentially lead to layoffs. It is crucial that our approach balances the need for fair wages with the overall economic stability of the nation."
The meeting concluded with Organised Labour granting the National Assembly Leadership a period of eight weeks to engage with stakeholders from the Executive branch. Despite this concession, Labour Leaders declined to call off the nationwide strike action immediately. They requested additional time to consult with their respective National Executive Councils (NEC) and other organizational bodies, in adherence to the constitutional procedures of their unions.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, reiterated his earlier stance on the necessity of a living wage. Reflecting on his Independence Anniversary lecture, he remarked, “I am sure some would recall what I said during the Independence Anniversary lecture, that one thing that this government and this country can do to eliminate corruption in the long-run is to embrace a ‘living wage.’ There are no two ways about it. But we should also be mindful that the issues of numerous decades cannot be repaired within one day. It will be a gradual process.”
Among other resolutions reached at the meeting, the Federal Government committed to the immediate implementation of all previous agreements with Labour, as authorised by President Bola Tinubu. These agreements include the recent Wage Award announced by President Tinubu and the bonus implemented by the previous administration, amounting to N72,000.
The government further pledged to expedite the ongoing nationwide roll-out of LNG-operated vehicles and address all challenges related to the supply chain, aiming to bring immediate relief to Nigerian workers in terms of transportation.
Additionally, the leadership of the National Assembly was tasked with engaging and briefing the President on Labour's position and the necessity of considering a marginal wage increase in the interim, to accommodate Labour's stance.
Organised Labour was also urged to intensify their advocacy with State Governments and the organized private sector to ensure the viability and sustainability of the anticipated minimum wage increase. This collaborative effort is aimed at fostering a conducive environment for both workers and employers, ensuring that the benefits of any wage adjustments are sustainable in the long run.
The mediation meeting marks a critical step towards resolving the ongoing labour disputes, reflecting the National Assembly's commitment to addressing the concerns of Nigerian workers while maintaining economic stability. The outcome of this dialogue holds significant implications for the future of labour relations in the country and the broader economic landscape.
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