From Our Correspondent in Abuja
The National Economic Council (NEC) has appealed to organised labour leaders to strengthen dialogue in their quest for better welfare of members.
Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State announced this to briefing State House Correspondents at the end of the NEC meeting in Abuja.
Mutfwang said the Council also pleaded with both Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) to suspend their planned nationwide indefinite strike schedule for Oct. 3.
NEC noted that Nigeria is at a critical moment in its history. Some states took over such labour crisis when they assumed office in May.
According to Mutfwang, some of such states just resolved the crisis. “And it will be unfair for the labour to return to another industrial action”.
The governor said the proposed strike would immensely impact negatively on the economy at both state and federal levels.
NEC, he said, expressed genuine concern about the situation in the country and appealed for calm and patience among Nigerians.
“The National Economic Council deliberated on the planned indefinite strike by the National leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to proceed on an indefinite strike on Oct. 3, 2023.
“The Council noted further, the implications of the planned strike on the economy and the nation.
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“It thus urged member-governors to continue to engage with the union leadership of their respective states.
“It appeals to them to suspend the action and to continue on the path of dialogue with the Federal Government. This is the appeal of the council,” Mutfwang said.
He added that NEC appreciated the concerns raised by NLC to have those issues addressed.
“NEC also appealed for time to address the concerns of labour. We also believe that President Bola Tinubu will be addressing the nation on Oct. 1.
“The president’s speech will appropriately address some of the concerns of labour.
“It’s a federation issue. So, whatever happens, the labour is represented in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“NEC is appealing that discussion should continue at the state levels because there will be peculiarities as to the issues to be addressed concerning the demands of labour.”
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