Soldiers have surrounded the venue of a crucial meeting between the Federal Government (FG) and the Organised Labour. This development was disclosed by a Labour source, who described the military presence as a tactic to intimidate the Labour leaders. Despite this, the source emphasized that the Labour leaders remain resolute and undaunted.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, had summoned the leadership of the Organised Labour for this meeting, which is widely believed to address the contentious issues of minimum wage and the ongoing nationwide strike.
Journalists and other visitors have been barred from accessing the meeting venue. Only a few individuals have been granted entry, allowed through by soldiers and other security operatives.
The nationwide strike, initiated by the labour unions on Monday, has significantly disrupted the country. The strike resulted from a breakdown in negotiations over the minimum wage, leading to the shutting down of the national grid and a consequent electricity blackout, throwing the nation into darkness. The strike has also caused flight disruptions, closure of federal and state government offices, and a general paralysis of economic activities.
Key Labour leaders, including NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero and President of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), Comrade Festus Osifo, are attending the ongoing meeting. Previous meetings, including one held with the National Assembly leadership on Sunday, ended in a deadlock, failing to prevent the strike.
The outcome of today’s meeting is crucial, as it will determine whether the labour unions will call off the strike or continue with their actions. Additionally, the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage has summoned the Organised Labour for another meeting on Tuesday.
Efforts to obtain comments from the SGF spokesman, Mr. Segun Imohiosen, and other officials have been unsuccessful, as their telephone numbers remain switched off.
