President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday night held a closed-door meeting with the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress as part of efforts to ease mounting tensions over organised labour’s planned nationwide protest.
The meeting, which took place at the State House in Abuja, followed weeks of rising disagreement between the Federal Government of Nigeria and labour unions over unresolved issues affecting workers. These concerns include the rising cost of living, workers’ welfare, wage-related demands, and the slow implementation of concessions previously agreed upon by both sides.
Okay News reports that the engagement came at a critical moment, as organised labour has recently intensified warnings of mass protests across the country if the Federal Government fails to take concrete action on outstanding agreements reached during earlier negotiations.
Confirming the meeting in a statement issued on Tuesday night, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed that several high-ranking government officials and key political stakeholders were present.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu met with the leadership of the NLC, along with the chairman of Progressive Governors Forum, Hope Uzodimma, Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo and Governor of Kebbi State, Dr Nasir Idris and the Minister of State Labour, Honourable Nkeiruka Onyejeocha,” the statement partly read.
According to the statement, the Nigeria Labour Congress delegation was led by its national leadership. It further clarified that the chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Joe Ajaero, personally led labour leaders to the meeting held on Tuesday night at the State House, Abuja.
The meeting comes against the backdrop of repeated accusations by organised labour that the Federal Government has delayed or failed to fully implement agreements aimed at cushioning the effects of recent economic reforms. Labour leaders have argued that Nigerian workers continue to face increasing hardship, despite earlier assurances of relief measures.
Organised labour has warned that continued inaction could result in industrial unrest, large-scale street protests, and disruptions across major cities nationwide. These warnings have raised concerns within government circles about the possible economic and social consequences of a prolonged standoff.
As of the time this report was filed, neither the Federal Government nor the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress had disclosed specific details of the discussions held or whether any resolutions were reached during the meeting.
