FG Not Officially Aware Of NLC Two-Day Warning Strike – Minister Of Labour

By Ayodele Oni

Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong has told Organized Labour that his counterpart in the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT) will be guided by the law on the proposed move to demolish illegal structures in the FCT.

Lalong, while appealing to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) not to embark on a two-day warning strike, due to commence on Tuesday, explained that the action is not targeted at the Workers.

Addressing a press conference on Monday in Abuja, the Minister pointed out that “On the comments made by my colleague the FCT Minister on the proposed demolition of illegal structures, we do not believe that the FCT administration will take any action targeted at any Nigerian including the workers.

“In any case, there has not been any execution of the proposed actions yet which would point to unfair treatment of any worker.

“I know that my friend and brother the FCT Minister H.E. Nyesom Wike is a lawyer and I know that he will operate only within the confines of the law and the provisions of the Abuja Master plan.

“Besides, it is not sufficient grounds for a threat or mere suspicion or in anticipation of an action to warrant the shutdown of government machinery and stand the risk of rolling back the gains that have already been collectively made to deliver renewed hope for Nigerians.”

He stated that NLC has not communicated his office as regards the proposed strike in line with laid down rules, stressing that

“At this point, I need to put on record that as at this moment, I am yet to receive official communication of the NLC Communiqué following its National Executive Council Meeting, as required by the law.

On other grievances by the NLC Lalong stated that “Like Mr. President has stated several times, Government is not unaware that the implementation of vital but difficult policies, come along with a measure of hardship for all of us citizens of this country.

“However, the Government has to take these decisions now rather than delay them further and put the nation into more difficulties that might be impossible to reverse.

“Already, Government has taken steps to cushion the impact of the removal of fuel subsidy which are being implemented by the three tiers of Government.

“While some of these policies are being planned and fine-tuned, others are being rolled out as palliative measures to bring temporary relief to Nigerians.

“On the long run, the government of President Tinubu will put in place measures that will empower the people as well as create jobs and prosperity.

“As we continue in this direction therefore, we must ensure that there is a robust line of communication with Nigerians and in particular the organized labour to forestall a breakdown of industrial peace which would no doubt reverse some of the gains already made.

“In this context, it has become pertinent to appeal to the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), to suspend its intended 2-days warning strike, as such action would be detrimental to the gains already being recorded on our course to securing a greater future for Nigerian workers and citizens at large.

“Furthermore, I would request that the Comrade Leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress gives this Government some time to settle and address the issues on the ground holistically.

“It should be realized that the Cabinet of this administration was only recently sworn in by Mr. President and all cabinet members have hit the ground running by receiving briefings from their MDAs.

“Therefore, the issues raised by the leadership of the NLC are some issues that I and the Hon. Minister of State for Labour and Employment are being briefed upon. In the next few weeks, we intend to address them holistically.

“Consequently, I use this opportunity to reassure Nigerian workers that this government would never take them for granted nor fail to appreciate their support and understanding.

“We shall continue to pursue policies aimed at massive employment generation in all sectors of the economy as well as look into immediate challenges that have emerged out of the policies of government. We cannot do this in an atmosphere devoid of industrial peace.

The minister added that all issues raised in the NLC communique are being addressed, promising that:

“In the course of the coming weeks, additional measures will be announced having consulted with the leadership of the labour organized labour and key stakeholders.

“The issue of the conflict between the Nigeria Police and the leadership of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) would be looked into without delay.

“In line with the subsisting laws of the Federation and International Conventions that Nigeria is party to, I do not believe that this conflict is insurmountable.”