FG assures NLC of dialogue-driven labour policies, industrial peace, harmony

By Ukpono Ukpong

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering industrial peace and harmony through dialogue-driven labour policies.

This assurance was made by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, during a courtesy visit to the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, at the NLC National Secretariat in Abuja.

Dingyadi emphasized that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is dedicated to strengthening collaboration with organized labour to resolve disputes amicably.

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He noted that sustained engagement between the government and labour unions is essential to preventing industrial crises and ensuring a stable working environment.

The Minister highlighted the visit as a crucial step in maintaining a productive relationship between the NLC and the Federal Government, even as he expressed appreciation for the industrial peace maintained so far and commended the NLC leadership for adopting dialogue over protests in addressing national labour concerns.

Dingyadi stated that his visit was for peace, and that he has nursed the idea of it since his assumption of office in November last year, as he considered the office of the NLC President as a major stakeholder in the affairs of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.

He extended his gratitude to the leaders and members of the NLC for the stability, peace and cooperation that the Tinubu administration has experienced so far in terms of labour issues across the country.

Dingyadi particularly thanked the President of the NLC for the industrial peace maintained so far, and appealed to him to continue to show that kind of decorum, so that at the end of the day, there would be peace and harmony in the entire labour sector.

The Minister said: “We have never had it so good. I want to appreciate you and your members for keeping this flag flying. Remember, this is about the second time that we are engaging with you and our discussions have been smooth, peaceful and fruitful.

“I want you to please continue to do the kind of good work that you are doing now. I want to believe that we have put behind us the era of demonstrations and protests.

“This administration, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is committed to listening to labour organisations, particularly the NLC, because it is only when we do not listen to each other that there would be misunderstandings and crises.

“We are always ready and willing to listen to you, to work together towards solving whatever issues that are pending, and forestall those likely to come up.”

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Tinubu administration to a robust relationship between labour and employers, both in the public and private sectors, and commended the NLC for stepping back from their planned protest this week.

“What took place days ago with you that led to the suspension of your planned protest over telecoms tariff increase is very encouraging. We were open and frank to ourselves, and you were able to appreciate what we were saying and quickly came to terms with it.”

While expressing gratitude to the NLC for the warm reception they were accorded, Dingyadi reiterated the President’s commitment to peace and stability in the labour sector, to ensure the economic growth and development of the country.

He appealed to all stakeholders in the labour sector to avoid all unnecessary issues that would lead to industrial disputes, and assured that the Federal Government would always find timely solutions to labour problems.

The President of NLC, Comrade Joe Ajaero, appreciated the visit by the Minister, emphasising that it displayed the Minister’s readiness and commitment to perform effectively, the functions he was appointed for.

“For a long time now, we are lacking in people who have the commitment of Nigeria at their heart; but you have shown today that you are ready to work. From the spirit you have displayed today, I know that we are going to achieve a lot.” Ajaero said