FG, Labour agree on how to reduce transport fares, food prices

                                                        

The recent meeting between the Federal Government of Nigeria and organized labour resulted in some important agreements aimed at addressing the economic challenges caused by the removal of fuel subsidies and the resulting price hikes. While the source indicated that the discussions were not so much about "satisfaction" but about moving forward from the past lack of communication, the outcomes signal a positive shift in government-labour relations.

The meeting involved key government officials such as the National Security Adviser, Labour Minister, and Minister of Finance, among others. Labour leaders from both the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) were present to represent the workers’ interests.

Key Developments:

1. Continued Engagement: The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to continuous dialogue with organized labour, emphasizing that it will no longer wait until tensions arise to engage with unions. This is expected to foster better relations and prevent future conflicts.

2. General Discussion on Economic Issues: While there was no specific conclusion to be announced regarding issues like the minimum wage, the government emphasized that the discussions are ongoing and that engagement with labour is a priority.

3. Fuel Price and Cost of Living: Although the meeting did not directly address the recent fuel price hikes, the government reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue with labour for the betterment of the country.

.Asked if labour was satisfied with the meeting, the source said: 

 “It is not about satisfaction but a way forward from the past where government was not discussing with organised labour. 

 ‘’If this trend or practice continues, there is every possibility that disagreements between government and labour will reduce.” The joint National Executive Council, NEC, meeting between the two Labour centres, NLC and TUC, he said, was to brief members about the outcome of the meeting with government.

 Recall that among government’s representatives at the meeting were Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, NSA; Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, Labour Minister; and Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy. 

 Others include Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Information Minister; Heineken Lokpobiri, Petroleum Resources Minister, Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), and representatives of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, NNPCL.Kabiru Ado Sani; the General Secretary, Mr Emma Ugboaja; Deputy President of the TUC, Dr. Tommy Etim Okon; the Secretary General, Nuhu Toro; and the President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, who is also a deputy president of NLC. 

 There’ll be continuous engagement with labour — FG Addressing newsmen at the end of the meeting, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris said the Federal Government will continue to engage with organized labour and not wait until there was tension on any issue before doing so. 

 Fielding questions on whether the meeting with the labour had anything to do with minimum wage, the minister said: 

“These are just general discussions. Government is always desirous of engaging with Labour, this is one of such engagements. 

 ‘’We will continue to interact with them. We won’t wait until there is tension about anything before we engage Labour. 

 “This is a renewed commitment on behalf of government to continue to engage Labour on a number of issues. 

These engagements have been very fruitful and we will continue to engage with them.”On what was discussed at the meeting, Idris said: 

 “A lot of things were discussed. But like I said, this is work in progress, this is something that isn’t a one-off thing, but we have not reached anything that we think we can tell Nigerians now, but what is more important is that, there is going to be continuous engagement between us and labour for the good of the country.” Asked if the meeting had to do with the recent hike in fuel price, he said: 

“This is our continuous engagement with labour for the good of the country. You know that labour is an important component of this country, all of them are our brothers and sisters. ‘’Government is there for everyone, including labour, so we will continue to engage labour for the good of the country.”