FG Reacts As NLC, TUC Mobilize, Issue Strike Threat

The Federal Government has reacted to the move by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) to embark on strike.

It refuted assertions by the NLC and the TUC that it reneges on agreements made with labour unions.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, dismissed the claims on Thursday, responding to the unions’ threat of a nationwide strike over alleged unfulfilled commitments and deteriorating economic conditions.

“We appeal with labour to always see reason with the government,” stated Idris, emphasizing, “It is not in anyone’s interest for the labour to continue to go on strike.” He urged the unions to resume discussions at the negotiation table and engage in transparent dialogues to address any lingering concerns regarding past agreements.

Addressing allegations of broken promises, the Minister affirmed, “No, I think government keeps its promises. If there are other things that they (NLC, TUC) think they are concerned about, I think that they will sit down with government and government is ever ready to listen to labour so that we can have an amicable resolution to all these.”

These remarks follow the issuance of a 14-day strike notice by the NLC and TUC to the government, citing the non-implementation of a 16-point agreement reached in October 2023 and the deteriorating economic conditions causing widespread hardship. The unions expressed disappointment with the perceived lack of government concern for the suffering experienced by citizens.