NLC Strike: PBAT Approves Additional N10k For Workers 

Following a meeting the Federal Government officials had with labour leaders on Sunday to avert the looming nationwide strike, President Bola Tinubu has approved an additional N10,000 for workers for six months.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mallam Mohammed Idris in Abuja.

The meeting which was chaired by Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President, agreed that the N25,000 which the president promised low-cadre workers for six months would be made available to all workers.

However, the Labour leaders rejected the offer and demanded more. Shortly after reports on the development were filed, the presidency announced the additional N10,000 increase.

“The Federal Government, on Sunday, October 1, 2023, met with the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) on measures to address the dispute arising from the removal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

The statement reads: “The parties noted the following:

“i) The Federal Government has announced N35,000 only as a provisional wage award for all treasury-paid federal government workers for six months following further consultation with President Bola Tinubu.

“ii) The Federal Government is committed to fast-tracking the provision of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to ease public transportation difficulties associated with the removal of PMS subsidy.

“iii) The Federal Government commits to the provision of funds for micro and small-scale enterprises.

“In light of the discussions held during the meeting, the following were the major highlights:

“The Federal Government urged the Labour unions not to embark on strike action as the issues in dispute can only be resolved when workers are at work.

“Labour Unions made case for higher wage award. A sub-committee is to be constituted to work out the details of the implementation of all items regarding government interventions to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal.

The labour delegation was led by NLC President, Joe Ajaero, Dr . Tommy Etim Okon, Deputy President, TUC, NLC General Secretary, Emma Ugboaja, and TUC General Secretary, Nuhu Toro, among others.”