NLC, TUC nationwide strike may end soon as FG meets union leaders

There are growing chances that the strike action embarked upon by organised labour in Nigeria may soon come to an end following a meeting between the Minister of Labour, Simon Bako Lalong, the Minister of State for Labour, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyeajeocha, and leaders of the unions on Wednesday.

The meeting, which took place at the office of the National Security Adviser, NSA, Nuhu Ribadu, who was also in attendance, was called to find a lasting solution to the strike action.

The Nigeria Labour Congress and their Trade Union Congress counterpart are calling for the arrest and prosecution of the suspected political thugs who attacked the NLC President, Joe Ajaero and other workers while protesting unpaid salaries in Imo State.

The industrial disobedience has crippled economic activities in some parts of the country since Tuesday when it commenced officially.

Speaking with newsmen after the meeting with the labour leaders, the Minister of Labour said the meeting was fruitful while expressing regret over what happened to the labour leader in Imo State.

Lalong said, “The meeting was in respect to what happened especially in Imo State and this meeting has heavy security considerations that is why we took the meeting at the office of the National Security Adviser.

“All the labour leaders were also here with us. We had a very fruitful discussion. They have also agreed to take it back home to their constituencies so that they can suspend the strike.”

On his part, the President of the TUC, Comrade Festus Osifo said the Federal Government made a number of promises which put an end to the strike.

He said, “We had a robust conversation where a lot of assurances were given in furtherance to the release that was made by the NSA this morning that some people have been apprehend.

“They made several appeals and promises to us so we said let’s go back and reappraise all the conversations we have had and we will communicate accordingly.”