Minimum Wage: Over 600 Charismatic Bishops Intervene in NLC-FG Dispute

The Synod of the Charismatic Bishop Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), led by Archbishop Leonard Kawas, has intervened in the ongoing crisis over the minimum wage and high electricity tariffs between the Federal Government and the Organized Labour. They have urged both parties to resolve their differences peacefully.

The Charismatic Bishops expressed their belief that fervent prayers will help Nigeria overcome its current socio-economic challenges.

In a statement to the press in Kaduna on Tuesday, following a conference in Abuja, Archbishop Kawas urged the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to engage in negotiations with the federal government rather than resorting to strikes, which could exacerbate inflation and hardship.

“The Synod has urged the Federal Government to engage in dialogue with the NLC, considering the current economic conditions. Similarly, the NLC should avoid shutting down the country and continue negotiations to prevent further inflation and hardship,” the statement said.

Archbishop Kawas hosted Nigeria’s First Lady, the wife of the Vice President, the Chief of Defence Staff, and the Inspector General of Police, who received Meritorious Service Awards from the Bishops.

“On the third day of the conference, held at the National Christian Centre, various workshops and training sessions were conducted. The event’s grand finale included the presentation of Meritorious Service Awards to representatives of the President’s wife, the Vice President’s wife, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Senate President, and the Inspector General of Police. This ceremony marked a new partnership for progress between the Charismatic Bishops and the Federal Government,” the statement noted.

The awardees expressed gratitude to the Charismatic Bishops for recognizing their efforts. The conference concluded with a visit to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, who also received an award and urged the Bishops to continue praying for the country and supporting the government’s plans for national development.

The conference saw over 600 Charismatic Bishops from 21 countries in attendance. On the first day, they praised God and prayed earnestly for Nigeria. The second day included teachings, workshops, and prayer sessions, with a highlight being the approval of a partnership between the Bishops and the Federal Government, signaled by the visit of the Minister of Information.

During the conference, Archbishop Kawas was elevated from National President to President General of the CBCN, celebrating the Synod’s 10th anniversary with participants from 21 countries. The Bishops concluded the event with joy, many visiting Abuja for the first time.