President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday night held a meeting with the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) amid plans by organised labour to stage a nationwide protest over unresolved workers’ demands.
The meeting, which took place at the State House, Abuja, followed rising tensions between the Federal Government and labour unions over issues relating to workers’ welfare, the increasing cost of living and the implementation of previously agreed concessions.
Confirming the engagement in a statement on Tuesday night, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said several key stakeholders were present.
According to him, those in attendance included the Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma; the Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo; the Governor of Kebbi State, Dr Nasir Idris; and the Minister of State for Labour, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha.
“The President met with the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress at the State House on Tuesday night,” the statement said, adding that the NLC delegation was led by its National Chairman, Comrade Joe Ajaero.
The meeting comes amid the NLC’s threat to embark on mass protests across the country over what it described as the Federal Government’s failure to fully address labour-related concerns, including palliatives to ease the impact of economic reforms, wage issues and worsening socio-economic conditions.
Organised labour has accused the government of delaying the implementation of agreements reached during earlier negotiations, warning that continued inaction could lead to industrial unrest and widespread demonstrations.
As of the time of filing this report, details of the discussions and the outcome of the meeting had not been made public by either party.
