In a significant turn of events, the Organized Labour in Nigeria has decided to suspend its nationwide strike for one week.
This decision comes amidst unresolved concerns regarding the new national minimum wage and the recent hike in electricity tariffs.
The announcement was made by the President of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), Festus Osifo, following an extraordinary joint National Executive Council meeting of the TUC and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) held in Abuja on Tuesday (today).
Osifo emphasized that the suspension of the industrial action is aimed at providing a window for the conclusion of ongoing negotiations on these crucial matters.
The strike, which commenced on Monday, disrupted socioeconomic activities across the nation. However, following a meeting with the Federal Government on Monday evening facilitated by the Tripartite Committee tasked with reviewing the minimum wage, significant progress was made.
During the meeting with government officials, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, assurances were given regarding the commitment of the government to a minimum wage surpassing N60,000.
Akume further reassured workers that there would be no repercussions for their participation in the strike and pledged that the tripartite committee would convene daily over the next week to finalize the new minimum wage.
As a result of these discussions, and following the scheduled 10 a.m. meeting with the FG Tripartite Committee on Tuesday, the decision was made to suspend the strike. Consequently, all government and private offices are expected to resume operations as usual.
This development signifies a crucial step forward in addressing the minimum wage issue, as it allows the tripartite committee to continue its efforts towards reaching a mutually acceptable National Minimum Wage without further disruptions.
Philips Babatunde