NLC in Closed Door Meeting with Tinubu, Calls Off Strike

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) after a closed-door meeting has called off the ongoing nationwide strike.

On Wednesday, the NLC and its Trade Union Congress (TUC) counterpart embarked on a nationwide strike, grounding activities across the country over the removal of fuel subsidies along with other policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu which considered to be extreme and anti-poor people in the country.

It would be recalled that the NLC under the leadership of Comrade Joe Ajaero had issued a one-week notice to the presidency to comply with its demands of raising the minimum wage to at least N200,000 and reverse course on fuel subsidy removal or proceed to revitalize refineries in the country.

Consequently, after meetings with the presidency failed, the strike action ensued with Aviation and Railway Unions joining suit.

ENigeria Newspaper reports that after a closed-door meeting with President Tinubu on Wednesday evening, leaders of the NLC and Trade Union Congress resolved to end the strike immediately.
This was revealed in separate statements by Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC President, Joe Ajaero, and his Trade Union Congress, TUC counterpart, Festus Osifo.

The labour unions say the decision follows commitments made to review certain policies of government after a meeting between President Bola Tinubu and leaders of NLC and TUC at the presidential villa.

The labour leaders say by this development all branches and chapters of unions are not to turn out for more protests.
Earlier, the Presidency said the decision of Labour leaders to stop further protest was consequent upon the fruitful and frank discussion between them and President Tinubu, and their confidence in his ability to encourage open and honest consideration of all the issues put forward by the Labour movement.

Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communications and Strategy, Dele Alake said the union leaders opted for further constructive engagement with the government to resolve all outstanding issues as they affect the working people and Nigerians in general.
He added that President Tinubu gave his commitment to the Labour leaders that the Port Harcourt refineries will start production by December 2023 after the completion of the ongoing rehabilitation contract between NNPCL and Italian firm, Maire Tecnimont SpA.

The Ministerial nominee says President Tinubu assured the Labour leaders that he would continue to work for the best interest of Nigeria while pleading with the Labour leaders to join hands with him to birth a better and economically buoyant country.