Hardship: Again, Nigerian govt says it needs more time as NLC vows strike

The federal government has appealed to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to suspend its proposed two-day warning strike over economic hardship in the country.

Labour minister Simon Lalong said the government needed more time to address economic hardship that has impoverished millions. He said on Monday that the government would be meeting with the NLC by 3 p.m. same day.

The NLC on Friday said it would commence a two-day nationwide warning strike from Sept. 5 to Sept. 6.

The labour union threatened to an indefinite nationwide strike within 14 working days or 21 days from when the communique was issued unless the government addressed the excruciating suffering of Nigerians.

Previous strikes and warnings by the labour union were promptly suspended after talks with government.

Mr Lalong claimed the planned industrial action would reverse some of the gains already made by the administration.

Key quotes to note

“Furthermore, I would request that the comrade leadership of the NLC gives this government some time to settle and address the issues on the ground holistically,” Mr Lalong said.

“It should be realised that the Cabinet of this administration was only recently sworn in by Mr President and all cabinet members have hit the ground running by receiving briefings from their MDAs.

“Therefore, the issues raised by the leadership of the NLC are some issues that I and the Minister of State for Labour and Employment are being briefed upon.”

Mr Lalong said as labour minister he was yet to be served official communication of the NLC communiqué.

“Allow me to first express my sympathy and that of the government of President Bola Tinubu to Nigerians and in particular the workers.

“That is over the challenges that have arisen from the removal of petrol subsidy and other policies of the government aimed at renewing hope for the future of our dear nation.

“In light of these matters, I would like to reiterate my appeal to the leadership of the NLC to suspend the warning strike and subsequent future actions.

“To allow us to work together to amicably resolve these issues rather than embark on actions that would further worsen the conditions of the citizens of Nigeria,” he said.