October 01 (THEWILL) – In a move to avert the planned nationwide indefinite strike declared by Organised Labour, the Federal Government has again extended an invitation to labour leaders for another discussion.
Organised Labour had, at a joint press conference held in Abuja, on Tuesday, declared an indefinite nationwide strike from October 3, following the Federal Government’s failure to address the hardship inflicted on Nigerians by the removal of fuel subsidy.
THEWILL recalls that a meeting called earlier by the Federal Government was boycotted by leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) of Nigeria.
According to the Unions, the invitation for the meeting came late and urged the Federal Government to reschedule another meeting.
However, Simon Lalong, Minister of Labour and Employment, in another invitation on Sunday, scheduled a meeting at the Chief of Staff’s Conference Room, State House, Abuja.
The invitation signed by the Director of Information at the Ministry, Emmanuel Igbinosun, reads in part: “Further to my earlier correspondence on the above subject, I once again bring greetings from the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment.
“I am directed to invite the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) for a meeting with the Government on the above subject scheduled as follows:
“Date:- Sunday, October 1st, 2023; Time:- 2 pm;
“Venue:- Aso Villa Conference Room of the office of the Chief of Staff to Mr President.
“Please be assured as always of the kind regards of the Hon. Minister of Labour & Employment.”
The meeting is expected to be attended by the national leadership of both the NLC and that of the Trade Union Congress (TUC).
The government’s representation at the meeting will include the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila; Minister of Labour and Employment, Hon Simon Lalong; Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon Nkiruka Onyejeocha and various other high-ranking government officials.
