The Federal Government convened with officials from Labour unions on Wednesday to address the ongoing national strike, according to a statement from the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong. Lalong, speaking through his Special Adviser on Media, Makut Macham, expressed optimism that the meeting’s outcomes could lead to the resolution of the strike.
“The Federal Government has engaged in discussions with the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress in an effort to resolve the ongoing strike,” the statement affirmed. The meeting, held at the office of the National Security Adviser, was attended by key figures, including NSA Nuhu Robadu, Minister of Labour Simon Lalong, Minister of State Nkeiruka Onyeajeocha, Acting Permanent Secretary Emmanuel Igbinosa, and the Director of Trade Union Services.
Labor leaders, led by TUC President Festus Osifo, NLC Secretary General Emmanuel Ugboaja, TUC Secretary General Nuhu Toro, and others, participated in the closed-door meeting. Minister Simon Lalong explained that the choice of the NSA’s office was influenced by security considerations related to the strike and its origins.
The minister stated, “The discussions were frank, fruitful, and genuine,” highlighting the government’s efforts to address labour’s concerns. He conveyed that labour leaders agreed to take the outcomes back to their members and consider the government’s plea to end the strike in the national interest.
President of TUC Comrade Festus Osifo described the meeting as robust, citing assurances from the government team regarding apprehensions related to the Imo incident.
Osifo noted that the government disclosed actions taken and planned to address labour grievances. He added that labour would assess the meeting’s outcomes and communicate appropriately with members to decide on the way forward.
