FG Extends Another Invitation To NLC Amidst Indefinite Strike Threat

The Federal Government has extended an invitation to the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) in response to the union’s impending indefinite strike.

As the NLC prepares for a nationwide shutdown in protest of the removal of fuel subsidies and the prevailing hardships in the country, Labour and Employment Minister Simon Lalong has extended an invitation to engage in discussions.

“The Minister of Labour and Employment Simon Bako Lalong has again invited the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC for another meeting over its planned indefinite strike,” the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations Olajide Oshundun said in a Sunday statement.

“The Minister who directed the Department of Trade Unions Services and Industrial Relations to convene a meeting with the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) for Monday 18th September 2023 said it was important that the Unions sit with Government to resolve all pending matters to avert further disruption to the economy.”

He cited the minister reaffirming the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s government to consistently involve organized labour and address their concerns through thorough consultations and negotiations.

“In order to guarantee industrial harmony which is critical to the attainment of the Renewed Hope Agenda”.

Prior to this, the Minister had previously invited both the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) for discussions in an effort to prevent the two-day strike that took place on September 5th and 6th.

However, the statement added that “only the TUC attended the meeting.”