The Federal Government on Wednesday said it has made substantial progress in fulfilling it’s commitment made with the Organized Labor Congress, NLC.
The organized labor comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, had given the federal government a two-week ultimatum to implement the October, 2, 2023 agreement on palliative packages to cushion fuel subsidy removal or face a strike action.
In a statement jointly signed by the NLC president, Comrade Joe Ajaero and the president of TUC, Comrade Fetus Osifo expressed concern over the government’s failure to implement the 16-point agreement reached by all parties as measures to cushion the effect of petrol subsidy removal on Nigerians.
The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, however maintained that the government is committed to its obligation as has begun prompt implementation of its agreement.
Minister of State Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha who made this known in a statement, who underscored the progress recorded, said the government has paid for four months up to 31st December, 2023, on the payment of wage awards of N35,000 for six months. For the remaining two months, he said it’s being processed.
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“On the Minimum Wage Committee, Government has on 30th January, 2024, inaugurated a 37 Member Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage to review and come up with an acceptable and sustainable Minimum Wage for the Nigerian Workers. The Committee has so far held two meetings and discussions are on-going.
“With respect to the suspension of collection of Value Added Tax, VAT, on Diesel for Six Months beginning from October, 2023, this was effected immediately. It is on record, that no one has been subjected to this form of taxation since October, 2023.
“On the provision of CNG Buses and conversion Kits, Government has so far made substantial financial commitments in this area. These busses will be rolled out very soon to alleviate the transportation challenges being faced by Nigerians,”
Onyejeocha said.
He also maintained that the government has commenced series of engagements with relevant stakeholders while all necessary machineries are being put in place to address the issue of tax incentives as contained in the agreement.
On the Leadership Crises between NURTW and RTEAN, the Minister said it has been resolved as the Lagos State Government was mandated to address the matter and the Executive Body of the Union has been inaugurated to address all contending.
“With respect to the outstanding Salaries and wages of Tertiary Education workers in Federal Owned Educational Institutions, Government has paid in full the four months outstanding salaries to ASUU as approved by Mr. President. Action is on-going with respect to other Unions as well.
“So far, 3,140,819 households including vulnerable Pensioners have benefitted from the N25,000 monthly conditional cash transfer amounting to N68.3 Billion before the temporary suspension of the programme.
“With respect to the issue of subsidized distribution of Fertilizers to Farmers across the Country, Government has made tremendous progress in this regard to ensure effective distribution to farmers to boast agricultural production,” he noted.
Onyejeocha equally expressed that the government has been in engagement with various state governments and the private sector on the implementation of wage awards for workers and there has been compliance, noting that the government will continue to explore all relevant channels to ensure sustainability of the programmes.
“To encourage Micro and Small Enterprises as contained in Mr. President’s Broadcast on 1st August, 2023 to the Nation, plans have reached an advanced stage to accelerate the process of job creation through the release of funds to Micro and Small Scale business.
“In order to ascertain the level of rehabilitation of the Refineries in the country, a joint visitation by Government and Organized Labour was successfully carried out today, 21st February, 2024 and it was established that the Port-Harcourt Refinery is 80% completed and production of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS will commence before the end of the year,” the Minister maintained.
He assured of the government’s commitment to social dialogue with organized labour and other stakeholders towards achieving industrial peace and harmony, while prioritizing workers welfare.
