Labour Minister Nkiruka Onyejeocha has declared that the Federal Government has honored approximately 90% of the agreement reached with Organised Labour in October 2023.
In an interview on Tuesday on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Onyejeocha asserted, “We’ve done virtually everything in agreement. 90% of everything.”
She disclosed that during a recent meeting, Nigeria Labour Congress (TUC) President Joe Ajaero clarified that the impending protest was not a reflection of the government’s commitment to the October agreement but rather a response to food inflation.
Onyejeocha emphasized that food security and economic prosperity are key priorities of the Bola Tinubu administration. She urged Nigerians to be patient, noting that the administration is in its planting season with a promising harvest ahead.
The minister highlighted that the Federal Government has addressed around 90% of the 15-point memorandum of understanding signed with Organised Labour on October 2, 2023. This includes the implementation of a N35,000 wage award, the inauguration of a minimum wage committee, and the suspension of Value Added Tax (VAT) collection on diesel for six months.
Regarding the provision of high-capacity CNG buses for mass transit, Onyejeocha stated that funds have been allocated, but delays in port operations are beyond government control.
Nigeria is grappling with various economic challenges including rising inflation, food inflation, forex crisis, and high living costs, exacerbated by the removal of petrol subsidy, prompting protests in several regions.
Despite last-minute talks between the Presidency and labour leaders, the protest proceeded as planned. However, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) distanced itself from the strike. Labour leader Ajaero clarified that the protest primarily aimed to address hunger rather than solely advocating for a minimum wage review.
Labour later suspended the protest on Tuesday night, declaring that the objectives had been achieved on the first day of the rally.
Source: ChannelsTV
