The organised labour comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) have given the federal government a two-week ultimatum to implement the October, 2, 2023 agreement on palliative packages to cushion fuel subsidy removal or face a strike action.
The ultimatum was contained in a joint statement signed by the NLC president, Comrade Joe Ajaero, and the president of TUC, Comrade Festus Osifo, in Abuja on Thursday.
Both Labour Centres expressed concern over the federal government’s failure to implement the 16-point agreement reached by all parties as measures to cushion the effect of petrol subsidy removal on Nigerians.
The Organised Labour said Nigerians have continued to suffer widespread hunger with the workers’ purchasing power significantly eroded, while insecurity on the other hand has assumed an increasing dimension.
They further stated that Nigerians were left to wonder where their next meals will come from and what tomorrow might bring.
NLC and TUC also stated that the level of panic and anxiety among the populace has become nightmarish, and that the government was bereft of appropriate measures to ameliorate the huge burden it has foisted on the citizenry.
They lamented that the majority of the agreements, which encompass a wide range of issues crucial to the well-being of Nigerian masses and workers, have not been honoured as pledged by the federal government.
The issues include wage awards, palliative adjustments, improved access to public utilities, and respect for the autonomy of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN).
The Labour Centres described the federal government’s failure to uphold its end of the bargain as deeply regrettable and unacceptable to the working people and the citizenry.
The statement read in parts: “Constrained by this development and recognizing the urgency of the situation and the imperative of ensuring the protection and defense of the rights and dignity of Nigerian workers and citizens.
“The NLC and TUC hereby issue a stern ultimatum to the Federal Government, to honour their part of the understanding within 14 Days from tomorrow, the 9th day of February, 2024.
“It is regrettable that we are compelled to resort to such measures, but the persistent neglect of the welfare of citizens and Nigerian workers and the massive hardship leaves us with no choice.
“Therefore, everything must be done within the two weeks to avoid a situation where we may be compelled to take appropriate steps to protect Nigerian workers and masses.
“We call upon the federal government to honor its commitments without delay. The time for empty promises and excuses has passed. The time for action is now. Our patience has worn thin and the situation has become unbearable for workers and masses all over the federation. Further silence amounts to committing mass suicide and this remains the only feasible course of action left for us and Nigerians to -compel remedial action by government,” it added.
