In an attempt to avert the strike threat from organised labour, the Federal Government has promised to implement all agreements entered into with the unions.

The government said it would address all concerns raised by the unions, noting that it has demonstrated sincerity in its ongoing negotiations with the trade unions because it acknowledges and was concerned about the hardship Nigerians were currently undergoing.

The Minister of State for Labour, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, said these while speaking with journalists in Abuja on Friday, February 9, 2024.

Nigerian workers had declared their readiness to embark on a nationwide strike over the economic hardship in the country.

They have issued a 14-day ultimatum commencing on February 9 to the Federal Government to address the current hardship in the country or face workers’ wrath.

The organised labour, in a statement jointly signed by the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, and  TUC President, Festus Osifo, on Thursday, February 8, declared that widespread hunger is now ravaging millions of Nigerians with workers’ purchasing power significantly eroded.

Strike looms over economic hardship as labour issues ultimatum

While noting that the government has shown good faith and was fully committed to expediting full implementations of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with organised labour to ensure improved welfare and livelihood for Nigerians, the minister, however, said 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.”

Onyejeocha, who emphasised that the government has no intention of reneging on the contents of the MoU signed with the two unions, urged organised labour to continue demonstrating restraint in their decisions and actions as the government would keep on working to address the challenges currently faced by the nation.

She said: “We wish to reassure Nigerians that this government is fully committed to honouring its obligations to workers and the less privileged in Nigeria.

“We will ensure the complete implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) we entered into with Organized 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.”

Addressing the issues raised by organised labour, Onyejeocha said the government had already commenced delivery on its agreement with the unions, but noted that the implementation of some of them is in stages, and processes are ongoing to achieve full implementation.

The Star