BY Ayodele Oluwafemi
The federal government says there has been substantial progress on the agreements reached with the labour unions.
On February 8, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) issued a 14-day ultimatum to the federal government over the rising cost of living in the country.
The unions said the government has failed to honour the 16-point agreement that was reached on October 2, 2023.
The agreement focused on the payment of a N35,000 wage award to workers for six months, the inauguration of a committee on minimum wage review, and the provision of buses powered by compressed natural gas (CNG), among others.
On February 16, NLC declared a two-day nationwide mass protest over the economic hardship confronting Nigerians.
The two-day warning protest would be held on February 27 and 28.
However, TUC has decided to pull out of the two-day warning protest.
‘WE’RE COMMITTED TO SOCIAL DIALOGUE’
In a statement on Thursday, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, minister of state for labour and employment, said the federal government has paid the N35,000 wage award for four months and that the remaining two months are being processed.
Onyejeocha said the committee to review the minimum wage has been inaugurated and discussions have commenced.
She added that the federal government is “committed to social dialogue with organised labour and other stakeholders towards achieving industrial peace and harmony, while prioritising workers welfare”.
“Government has reviewed the commitments made with the Organized Labour in the agreement entered with Labour and wish to state that very substantial progress has been made in the following areas,” the minister said.
“With respect to the suspension of collection of Value Added Tax (VAT) on Diesel for Six Months beginning from October, 2023, this was effected immediately. It is on record that no one has been subjected to this form of taxation since October, 2023.
“On the provision of CNG Buses and conversion Kits, the government has so far made substantial financial commitments in this area. These buses will be rolled out very soon to alleviate the transportation challenges being faced by Nigerians.
“On the issue of various tax incentives as contained in the agreement, the government has commenced a series of engagements with relevant stakeholders while all necessary machinery is being put in place for effective implementation.
“On the leadership crises rocking NURTW and RTEAN, the government waded into the matter and the issue has been amicably resolved. The Lagos State Government was mandated to address the matter and as we speak, the Executive Body of the Union has been inaugurated and all contending issues are resolved.
“With respect to the outstanding salaries and wages of tertiary education workers in federal owned educational institutions, the government has paid in full the four months outstanding salaries to ASUU as approved by Mr. President. Action is on-going with respect to other Unions as well.
“So far, 3,140,819 households including vulnerable pensioners have benefitted from the N25,000 monthly conditional cash transfer amounting to N68.3 Billion before the temporary suspension of the programme.
“With respect to the issue of subsidised distribution of fertilisers to farmers across the country, the government has made tremendous progress in this regard to ensure effective distribution to farmers to boost agricultural production.”
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