The Bola Tinubu-led administration has reached out to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), urging collaboration to advance workers’ welfare and bolster national productivity.
Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, the Minister of Labour and Employment, conveyed the appeal during her visit to the President and leadership of the NLC in Abuja.
She said the visit is part of the government’s strategy to mobilise key stakeholders and garner support for its agenda in the labour sector.
Minister Onyejeocha emphasised the crucial role of the Labour union, representing the workers, in achieving improvements for Nigerian workers.
She acknowledged that with the cooperation of the Labour union, it would be easier for the government to enhance the conditions of Nigerian workers.
The Minister assured the Congress of the government’s keen interest and readiness to collaborate with labour unions to enhance the well-being of workers and elevate national productivity.
She stressed that the government needed the cooperation of the Labour sector to generate the wealth required to sustain Nigerian workers.
While highlighting the government’s commitment to fulfilling its obligations to Nigerian workers, Minister Onyejeocha expressed concerns about the disruptive impact of strikes on the economy.
She urged trade unions to consider strikes as a last resort in resolving industrial disputes, emphasising the importance of fulfilling agreements and drawing attention to the plight of workers without resorting to strikes.
Her words: “Government is interested in the welfare of Nigerian workers. We are interested in their health and the environment in which they work.
”We are also interested in the wages they earn. We will partner with you to ensure that Nigerian workers are satisfied.”
In response, NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero appreciated the Minister’s visit, noting that it demonstrated care for Nigerian workers and a commitment to collaboration with workers’ representatives.
He pledged that the Congress would continue working with the government in the interest of workers.
Comrade Ajaero urged the government to refrain from violating Trade Union rights and defaulting on agreements with Labour, as such actions could erode trust.
He called on the Minister to advocate for the clearance of backlogs of agreements reached with Labour, providing tangible evidence of the government’s dedication to workers’ well-being.
Ajaero also clarified that strikes were not their first choice and were only employed as a last option.
