NLC Calls Off Nationwide Strike

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called off its ongoing nationwide strike following promises by the Federal Government to reconvene the tripartite committee on national minimum wage on October 4.

The NLC leaders, on Sunday, revealed that they had resolved to discontinue the nationwide industrial action which started last week because of the Federal Government’s decision to reopen the tripartite negotiation on a new national minimum wage.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ayuba Wabba, said government had formally extended its invitation to the organised labour unions to the tripartite meeting on minimum wage holding on Thursday.

Wabba said the meeting, scheduled to reconvene on Oct. 4, would enable the committee to conclude work on the minimum wage after the Federal Government must have given a figure on what it could afford for workers.

“Indeed on Thursday morning, the strike action commenced and was observed across the country.

“We similarly commend the members of the press for their vigorous and comprehensive reportage of the strike; we thank all Nigerians for their support.

“We have received a firm and formal invitation to a reconvened meeting of the tripartite committee scheduled for Oct. 4 and Oct. 5, 2018.

“We demand that this shall be the final session of the committee and that a final report will be submitted to Mr President immediately.

“In order to avail the committee the necessary conducive environment to hold this crucial meeting and conclude its work, organised labour has after obtaining the mandate of their necessary organs, decided to suspend the strike with effect from today, Sunday Sept. 30, 2018,” Wabba said.