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By Emmanuel Adeleke
The Federal Government has pledged to commence the payment of N35, 000 wage award to public workers this week.
The government gave the assurance during a meeting between the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, and the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Abuja, on Tuesday.
A statement by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Olajide Oshundun, said Onyejeocha appealed to the organised labour to withdraw the strike notice as the government had stepped up efforts to complete the implementation of that agreement.
The two labour unions had accused the government of failing to implement the 16-point agreement reached with them on October 2, 2023 and gave the government a 14-day ultimatum to implement the agreement or face a strike action.
The minister convened the meeting to brief the labour unions on the progress of the implementation of the agreement, and to reaffirm government’s commitment to the agreement.
“It is true we entered into an agreement, but the government has shown good faith, and considering the urgency of the issue at hand, I called this meeting because dialogue has always been the best way out, and we are all for the well-being of our people. I am here to show good cause on why some agreement has not been met,’’ she said.
She noted that the reaction of the labour organisations was not unwarranted in the face of government’s non-completion of the agreement. The minister, however, said some items in the agreement could only be achieved in stages.
Onyejeocha assured the organised labour of President Bola Tinubu’s sincerity of purpose and unflinching dedication to the implementation of that agreement, adding that the president would leave no stone unturned to satisfy the demands of the labour organisations.
“I plead with you to sheath your sword. We have been showing good faith; it is just that it is not commensurate with your expectations; but I promise you that we will surpass your expectation this time, and I believe that everything will go well,” she said.
Speaking, NLC President, Joe Ajaero, enjoined the Federal Government to be committed to beating the deadline of the 14-day ultimatum, which started on February 9, 2024 by ensuring the implementation of the agreement.
Ajaero said labour unions have resolved to stand by the ultimatum, stressing that every party to the agreement should endeavour to live up to expectations in the interest of Nigerians and the government.
He stated that organised labour would always fulfill its part of the bargain, as long as the federal government do the same.
The Deputy President of TUC, Tommy Okon, also echoed Ajeoro’s concerns, criticising the government’s gradual approach to the implementation of the signed agreement.
“We have a lot of respect for you, Minister, that’s why we are here. We don’t need to beg the government to do what is right. Let me tell you, we, the organised labour, are the ones managing the crisis in this country for the government; if not, we wouldn’t be here today discussing these issues,” he said.