The Nigerian Government has appealed to the leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) to suspend their planned 2-day warning strike, scheduled to take place on the 5th and 6th September 2023.
This appeal was made on Monday, in a press statement signed by the Minister of Labour And Employment, Simon Lalong as they urged the union to give the Government some time to settle and address the issues on the ground holistically.
“The Government is not unaware that the removal of fuel subsidy has brought hardship for all the citizenry, pointing out that 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.
“You will recall that during a national broadcast recently, Mr. President assured citizens of the government’s commitment to improving their livelihoods and putting in place measures to ensure that the pains arising from the removal of fuel subsidy are reduced to the barest minimum.
“Already, the Government has taken steps to cushion the impact of the removal of fuel subsidies 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.
In 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.
“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.” The statement read.
Mr Lalong reassured the Nigerian workers that the government would never take them for granted nor fail to appreciate their support and understanding.
He added that the government shall continue to pursue policies aimed at massive employment generation in all sectors of the economy and look into immediate challenges that have emerged from the policies of the government.
