In anticipation of the imminent industrial action by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), the leaders of both chambers of the National Assembly held a closed-door meeting with organized labor representatives on Sunday.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, convened the troubleshooting meeting, with NLC Chairman Joe Ajaero and TUC counterpart Fetus Osifo in attendance.
The Federal Government delegation was led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.
The core demands of Organized Labour include a new national minimum wage and the reversal of recent electricity tariff hikes. Previous meetings with the government ended without a resolution.
Senator Akpabio clarified that the Parliament was not assuming the functions of the Executive but rather seeking to find a solution to the impasse between the government and organized labor.
He emphasized that the indefinite strike called by Labor would adversely affect all Nigerians. Akpabio acknowledged the government’s efforts to negotiate with Labor through a dedicated committee.
He expressed the desire of both the government and the Nigerian people to address the minimum wage issue based on current economic realities.
Speaker Abbas echoed the sentiment, stating that the National Assembly stands with the people and the labor unions.
He emphasized the need for a living wage to eliminate corruption in the long term, acknowledging that it would be a gradual process.
Abbas recognized the importance of starting somewhere and developing a plan to ensure Nigerian workers can earn enough to meet their basic needs.
Comrade Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigerian Labour Congress, expressed gratitude for the National Assembly’s intervention.
He emphasized that Nigerian workers deserve a living wage and stressed the importance of finding a solution that benefits all Nigerians, not just the labor union leadership.
Ajaero reaffirmed the commitment of himself and his colleagues to secure a wage that allows Nigerians to survive and thrive, rejecting the notion of a starvation wage.
