FG to labour leaders: Withdraw ultimatum, we’ll implement agreement

The federal government says it will resume the payment of the N35,000 wage awards and implement agreements with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC).

On February 8, the NLC and TUC issued a 14-day ultimatum over the failure of the federal government to honour the 16-point agreement that was reached on October 2, 2023, with them.

In a meeting with the leadership of the organised labour on Tuesday, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, minister of state for labour and employment, appealed to the unions to withdraw the ultimatum – with nine more days to go.

“I called this meeting because dialogue has always been the best way out, and we are all for the well-being of our people. I am here to show good cause on why some agreement has not been met,” the minister said.

“I want to promise that the government would keep working towards the complete implementation of the agreement and I therefore request the labour unions to withdraw their ultimatum.

“I plead with you to sheath your sword. We have been showing good faith; it is just that it is not commensurate with your expectations. But I promise you that we will surpass your expectations this time, and I believe that everything will go well.”

Joe Ajaero, the NLC president, said the federal government should not flout the deadline of the 14-day ultimatum.

He said “every party to the agreement should endeavour to live up to expectations for the interest of Nigerians and the government”.