Petrol/Electricity Hike: Strike Not In Our Agenda Now – NLC

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and other labour unions on Monday stated that strike was not an option following talks with the federal government on petroleum price increase and electricity tariff hike.

Naija News reports that labour leaders on Sunday evening walked out on a meeting with the federal government delegation.

It is understood that the representatives from both sides couldn’t agree on the items listed for deliberation during the meeting.

The NLC was represented at the meeting by its deputy president, Najeem Yasin. Also on the labour’s side were the President of Nigeria Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), Joe Ajaero and the President of Trade Union Congress (TUC), Quadri Olaleye.

The federal government delegation was led by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, while the Minister of State for Labour, Festus Keyamo, Minister of State for Petroleum, Timiprye Sylva, Minister of state for power, Goddy Agba and the Secretary to the Government, Boss Mustapha were also on the team.

Speaking to newsmen in Abuja, Comrade Joe Ajaero, said the walkout was an expression of anger given the government’s insincerity to the issues under contention.

He stated that labour could not on its own declare strike without engaging members and following due process.

According to Ajaero, the labour movement has not lost focus, contrary to citizen’s reactions.