Nigerian union leaders last night walked out of a meeting with the government vowing to mobilise their members to commence an indefinite industrial strike from Wednesday.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), David Babachir Lawal led the Federal Government delegation, while Pressident of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Ayuba Wabba led the labour union at the parley.
But in a new twist, leaders of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Joe Ajaero faction of the NLC that had also threatened to go on strike, last night pulled out after having separate meetings with government.
The Nigerian Industrial Court, yesterday stopped the Nigerian Labour Congress from embarking on nationwide strike today over the 67% increase in petrol prices.
This follows a law suit filed against the unions by the Federal Government.
Meanwhile, the Wabba faction had walked out of the meeting with the SGF after failing to reach a last minute agreement.
According to Wabba, “As of today, this is our position as NLC: we have to discontinue with the meeting, so this is a walkout and dead end, because the demand cannot be made within the mandate.”
On his part, the TUC President, Bobboi Kaigama said:
“The issue of minimum wage should be on the front burner, while the template for the petrol price should be monitored.
“Ladies and gentlemen, Nigerian workers across the 36 states of federation. Consequently upon this agreement, we hereby suspend the planned industrial action that was supposed to take place effective midnight today.
We urge our members to report to work today and go about their normal duties.”
