On Monday evening, a source from the Organized Labour disclosed that soldiers are currently surrounding the venue of the meeting between the Organized Labour and the Federal Government.
The source said this action is aimed at intimidating the Organized Labour, but noted that the labour leaders remain undaunted despite the intimidation.
Earlier, the media had reported that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, had summoned the leadership of the Organized Labour for a meeting. The reason for the meeting was not revealed, but it is likely connected to the minimum wage dispute and the ongoing nationwide strike.
Journalists and other visitors were barred from accessing the venue of the meeting. Only a few persons were allowed entry, as soldiers and other security operatives controlled access.
The organized labour unions had commenced a nationwide strike on Monday over the breakdown of negotiations on minimum wage. This led to the shutting down of the national grid, causing a nationwide blackout, as well as disruptions to flights and the closure of federal and state government offices, paralyzing economic activities.
The meeting is being attended by key labour leaders, including the NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, and the President of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), Comrade Festus Osifo.
Previous meetings on the minimum wage dispute, including one held with the leadership of the National Assembly on Sunday, had ended in deadlock. The outcome of the current meeting is expected to determine whether the labour unions will call off the ongoing strike or maintain their position.
It was also learned that the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage had invited the Organized Labour to a meeting on Tuesday.
Attempts to reach the Spokesman of the SGF, Mr. Segun Imohiosen, and other officials were unsuccessful, as their telephone numbers were switched off.