NLC declares total strike after ‘botched’ meeting with FG

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared a total strike following the outcome of a meeting with a federal government delegation led by Chris Ngige, minister of labour.

At a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, Ayuba Wabba, president of the NLC, said both parties could not reach an agreement at the meeting.

He called on NLC members across the country to ensure full compliance with the industrial action, starting by midnight on Wednesday.

The leadership of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and other stakeholders of the organised labour attended the meeting.

Labour had declared a the strike over the alleged delay of the federal government to implement the new minimum wage for workers.

The workers are demanding an upward review of the minimum wage from N18,000 to between N50,000 and 65,000.

Speaking after the deadlocked meeting, Ngige said one of the ways to show that the government is labour-friendly is by implementing the new national minimum wage.

“We are resuming next week, precisely on Thursday, October 4 and the meeting may split over to October 5, as we normally use two days for the meeting,” he said.

“The labour leaders have been informed about it and are expected to communicate to their members. We do not need to have any strike in the country.

“Part of our consultation, means that the Economic Management Team which is managing the entire economy of the country would have something to work on. Already they are working on it and the National Salaries and Wages Commission and it is expected that before that meeting on October 4. They would have been through with the work.”

He said the strike would have been averted if he had been notified of the 14-day ultimatum given by labour.

“The 14-day ultimatum issued to the federal government did not get to me, otherwise we would have addressed it scientifically the way it should be done. We are optimistic that the committee would wrap up in October and all other processes as it concern the new national minimum wage for workers in the country,” he said.