Sylvester Ugwuanyi
By Sylvester Ugwuanyi
Nigeria’s 63rd Independence Day anniversary unearthed what the National Economic Council (NEC) meant when it assured that President Bola Tinubu’s speech on the occasion will address concerns and grievances of the organised labour.
Prime Business Africa is aware that Nigeria’s labour centre has been spoiling for an indefinite strike billed to commence on October 3 over the excruciation caused by the federal government’s removal of fuel subsidy.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and their affiliate unions have declared that their planned industrial action will be total and indefinite, advising Nigerians to stock up their homes with foodstuffs.
Rising from their last meeting at the Presidential Villa, NEC through Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State appealed for more time to enable the federal government to effectively address the concerns raised by the organised labour.
According to him, “We understand the implications of this strike on the economy and the nation as a whole. Therefore, we urge members of organised labour to continue engaging with the leadership of their respective states.
“We also appeal to them to reconsider their decision and give the federal government a chance to address their concerns.”
NEC then said, “We believe that President Tinubu’s forthcoming speech will appropriately address some of these concerns. It is our hope that this will foster a resolution to the current challenges facing the nation.”
READ ALSO: Nigeria @63: Why We Must Endure Subsidy Removal, FX Crisis Pains – Tinubu
As it turned out, the aspect of Tinubu’s Independence Day speech delivered on Sunday which is most appealing to the organized labour was when he said, “Based on our talks with labour, business and other stakeholders, we are introducing a provisional wage increment to enhance the federal minimum wage without causing undue inflation.”
“For the next six months, the average low-grade worker shall receive an additional twenty-five thousand naira per month,” President Tinubu asserted.
It remains to be seen if this gesture is enough to get the aggrieved workers to shelve their planned strike which experts warn will have catastrophic impact on the already struggling economy. However, paying junior federal workers N55,000 over the next six months is a far cry from what the NLC and their co-travelers are asking for.
