In a bid to avert a potentially disruptive nationwide strike, the Federal Government of Nigeria has appealed to Organized Labour to reconsider its decision to embark on an indefinite strike starting on Monday, June 3, 2024.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) president, Joe Ajaero, had previously announced that the industrial action would commence at midnight on Monday. The strike is in protest against the government’s refusal to raise the proposed minimum wage from N60,000 to a higher amount demanded by the unions.
Reacting to the development, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Idris Mohammed, stated that the interests of the Nigerian masses should be the top priority for Organized Labour. He argued that a strike is not the solution to the ongoing negotiations for a new minimum wage.
“The government is pleading with Labour to reconsider its position. The FG has already made an offer of N60,000, and whatever the government does is in the interest of Nigerians,” the minister said in an interview with Punch newspaper.
He further stressed that the government does not want to take any action that would “throw the country into another problem” and urged Labour to join hands with the government in finding solutions that would propel Nigeria towards prosperity.
The minister’s appeal comes as the government continues negotiations with the unions through the tripartite committee comprising Organized Labour, sub-national governments, and the Federal Government. The minister expressed hope that a common ground can be reached, stating that a strike is not the solution to the current impasse.