Labour Minister Optimistic About Averting Indefinite Workers Strike

In a bid to prevent the looming indefinite strike by the organised labour, Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, has expressed optimism following a crucial meeting with Vice President Kasshim Shettima.

Speaking to State House correspondents after the meeting on Wednesday, Lalong emphasised the government’s commitment to the welfare and prosperity of Nigerian workers.

He stated, “We have fully spent time with the Nigerian labour, and the posture of the President too is towards welfare and prosperity for workers. We have no doubt.”

When questioned about the strike threat posed by the labour unions, Lalong remained reassuring, saying, “Don’t worry about that. That’s why I said it’s a friendly engagement we are doing with them. We don’t have any fear about some of the things they put forward and also the suggestions and the package of the federal government.”

On his part, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, expressed confidence that labuor leaders are committed to the nation’s welfare and were unlikely to resort to a strike action.

Akume emphasised the government’s determination to improve the standard of living for all Nigerians and create prosperity.

He stated, “Labour leaders are very patriotic Nigerians, and we want to believe correctly that nobody will want to cause a strike. It’s not in the interest of the workers; it’s not in the interest of anybody.”

Akume highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to address the nation’s challenges.

He pointed out that the current government came into power on May 29 and has a tenure of four years, indicating that substantial changes cannot be expected overnight.