FG to meet NLC, TUC, others on Saturday

The Federal Government will on Saturday, September 12, meet with representatives of the Nigeria Labour Congress, the Trade Union Congress (TUC), their affiliates as well as members of Civil Society Organisations as one of the ways to end incessant industrial actions by workers.

The Minister of Labour, Chris Ngige, said this on Friday, September 11, after a meeting he held with the President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Ngige noted that the meeting will have officials discuss the true state of government’s financial account to the labour leaders so that they can appreciate the challenges facing the nation.

He said, “The President has approved for us to have a bigger government side meeting with the organised labour.

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“All government institutions that have to do with the finances of government will join us to meet with them and show them the books.

“So, the invitation is going out to them this afternoon (Friday), the Nigeria Labour Congress, the Trade Union Congress and their affiliates or supporters and friends in the Civil Society Organisations.

“The meeting is scheduled for tomorrow (Saturday), so, I will relate more with the Chief of Staff to the President and the leadership of the unions today so that we do this meeting tomorrow.

“At the meeting, government finances, challenges and everything will be laid bare on the table. They will also table their own fears and what they think is also good for the Nigerian people especially the workers, so that we look at them.”

Daily Times recalls that Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress (TUC) consulted civil society allies and relevant organs of Labour towards embarking on strike over hike in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), otherwise known as petrol, from N148 to N161 per litre.