As part of a long day yesterday, labour leaders met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his office at Aso Villa – a parley that it described as “fruitful”, which might have terminated their plan to continue with the nationwide protests.
In Abuja, Lagos and many state capitals, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) led some workers and civil society organisations in a protest against the rising cost of living and the delay by the government in giving succour to workers affected by the removal of petrol subsidy.
The Labour leaders revealed their meeting with the President and said in a statement that they would await the implementation of the agreement with the President.
They said President Tinubu:
• Committed to an immediate restructuring of the framework for engagement in line with the input of the Labour leaders
• Promised that the Port Harcourt Refinery will commence production by December this year.
• Assured that an agreement will be reached on the Wage Award for Nigerian workers immediately.
• Promised to unveil a workable roadmap to the CNG alternative next week.
In another statement, Presidential Adviser Dele Alake said: “Consequent upon the fruitful and frank discussion with President Tinubu and their (labour leaders’) confidence in his ability to encourage open and honest consideration of all the issues put forward by the labour movement, the labour leaders resolved to stop further protest.
“They opted for further constructive engagement with the government to resolve all outstanding issues as they affect the working people and Nigerians in general.
“President Tinubu gave his commitment to the labour leaders that the Port Harcourt refineries will start production by December 2023 after the completion of the ongoing rehabilitation contract between NNPCL and Italian firm, Maire Tecnimont SpA.
“President Tinubu assured the labour leaders that he would continue to work for the best interest of Nigeria while pleading with the labour leaders to join hands with him to birth a better and economically buoyant country.”
With the President at the meeting apart from Alake, were Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale; Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) Mele Kyari and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.
NLC President Joe Ajaero and TUC President Festu
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