The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), on Monday night, suspended the planned strike over the removal of fuel subsidy.
The decision to suspend the action scheduled to commence on Wednesday followed the meeting between top government officials and the leadership of the two unions at the Presidential Villa on Monday.
Chief of Staff to the President and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, briefed State House correspondents on the outcome of the meeting.
He stated that the NLC, TUC and the team set up by President Bola Tinubu to discuss the issues arising from the subsidy removal agreed that the Federal Government, the TUC and the NLC would establish a joint committee to review the proposal for any wage increase or award and establish a framework and timeline for implementation.
According to the communique read by the Chief of Staff, “The Federal Government, the TUC and the NLC would review World Bank Financed Cash transfer scheme and propose inclusion of low-income earners in the programme.
“The Federal Government, the TUC and the NLC to revive the CNG conversion programme earlier agreed with Labour centres in 2021 and work out detailed implementation and timing.
“The Labour centres and the Federal Government to review issues hindering effective delivery in the education sector and propose solutions for implementation.
“The Labour centres and the Federal Government to review and establish the framework for completion of the rehabilitation of the nation’s refineries.
“The Federal Government to provide a framework for the maintenance of roads and expansion of rail networks across the country.
The parties also resolved that all other demands submitted by the TUC to the Federal Government will be assessed by the joint committee.
Consequently, the parties agreed as follows:
● The NLC to suspend the notice of strike forthwith to enable further consultations
● The TUC and the NLC to continue the ongoing engagements with the Federal Government and secure closure on the resolutions above
● The Labour Centres and the Federal Government to meet on June 19, 2023, to agree on an implementation framework.
Earlier on Monday, the National Industrial Court, had restrained the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), from embarking on any form of strike over the removal of fuel subsidy.
Justice Olufunke Anuwe, ruling on an exparte application brought before the court, ordered the unions not to embark on their planned industrial action or strike of any nature pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice dated June 5, 2023.
Justice Anuwe said the Federal Government’s submission reveals a scenario that the planned action may gravely affect the larger society including students of secondary schools nationwide, particularly those currently writing the Senior School Certificate Exams as well as students of tertiary institutions who resumed recently after a long ASUU strike and other critical sectors like health and the economy generally.
The judge also ordered that the defendants be immediately served with the originating processes in the suit and fixed June 19 for hearing.