FG, Labour Resume Talks Over Fuel Subsidy Removal

June 19, 2023
NNPC Refutes Viral Claims That Its Fuel Does Not Last

Meeting on the recent removal of fuel subsidy between the federal government and organised labour is underway at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, to discuss various interventions.

The meeting which began at about 5:30 pm is to consider demands by the organised labour for an increased minimum wage and proposed palliatives.

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READ ALSO: Updated: Fuel Subsidy Is Gone – Tinubu Says, Set For NLC Showdown

At the last meeting held on June 5, the federal government and the two labour centres—the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress— had agreed to continue talks and reach a resolution.

The parties had said, “The labour centres and the Federal Government to meet on June 19, 2023, to agree on an implementation framework.”

Present at the meeting are the delegation of the NLC led by its President, Joe Ajaero, the TUC delegation led by its President, Festus Osifo, the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, Special Adviser to the President on Revenue, Zachaeus Adedeji and the Special Adviser for Energy, Olu Verheijen and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Kachallom Daju.

Also present are the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mele Kyari, the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Farouk Ahmed, the Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Gbenga Komolafe, among others.

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Minimum Wage Decision Expected as Nigerian Labour Leaders Await President's Response ABUJA, NIGERIA – The discussions on the new minimum wage between the Federal Government and Organized Labour are anticipated to conclude today, with labour leaders keenly awaiting President Bola Tinubu's verdict on their N250,000 proposal. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) had set a Monday deadline for finalizing the new minimum wage talks. Last Friday, the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage concluded its meetings where the Federal Government and the Organized Private Sector agreed on N62,000, while Labour demanded N250,000. However, the Nigeria Governors Forum declared that any minimum wage exceeding N60,000 would be unsustainable. A labour leader who spoke anonymously on Sunday stated, "We have submitted the report to the president and are waiting for him to make his decision. That is the most important thing and that is what we are all waiting for." The labour leaders, including NLC President Joe Ajaero, are currently attending a labour conference organized by the International Labour Organisation in Geneva, Switzerland. The leadership plans to hold a National Executive Council meeting upon their return, where a decision on a potential strike will be made based on the president's feedback. "We must come back from Geneva first before we can hold a NEC meeting. We are also trying to be careful so the government won't say Labour is inciting citizens against it. We are waiting for the president's decision," added another top NLC official. The labour unions, comprising the NLC and TUC, recently embarked on a two-day nationwide strike to demand a new minimum wage and the reversal of the electricity tariff hike. The strike was suspended for five days after a commitment was made with the Federal Government to resume negotiations and establish a new minimum wage within a week. Following a six-hour meeting between labour leaders and the National Assembly in Abuja, President Tinubu directed the finance minister, Wale Edun, to present the cost implications of a new minimum wage within two days. The finance minister, alongside the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu, presented the cost implications at the Presidential Villa on Thursday. The president is currently reviewing the proposal and is expected to make an official announcement soon. When asked about the Monday ultimatum, a source within the NLC said, "We have sent a report to the committee and are expecting the president to act on it. We will hold a National Executive Council meeting regarding the ultimatum when we return from Geneva. It is very important for us to be there, but right now, we are patiently waiting for the decision of Mr President." Organized Labour's recent actions underscore the urgency and importance of establishing a new minimum wage for Nigerian workers. The outcome of President Tinubu's decision will be crucial in determining the next steps for both the government and the labour unions. Related News: Atiku claims to have saved Tinubu's political career Debating the appropriate wage for workers Labour criticizes governors for minimum wage stance The labour leaders and the nation await the president's decision, which will significantly impact the economic and social landscape of Nigeria.

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