The Federal Government through the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, has appealed to Organized Labour to shelve its two-day warning strike starting tomorrow Tuesday September 5.
The Minister made the appeal while speaking with journalists on Monday, stating that the government and President Bola Tinubu expressed their sympathy on economic challenges being faced by Nigerians following the removal of the fuel subsidy since May 2023.
He added that the measures taken so far by the government are aimed at renewing hope for the future of the nation.
Lalong said “Government is not unaware that the implementation of these vital but difficult policies, come along with a measure of hardship for all of us citizens of this country. However, the Government has to take these decisions now rather than delay them further and put the nation into more difficulties that might be impossible to reverse.
“Already government has taken steps to cushion the impact of the removal of fuel subsidy which are being implemented by the three tiers of Government.
“While some of these policies are being planned and fine-tuned, others are being rolled out as palliative measures to bring temporary relief to Nigerians”, adding that on the long run, the Federal government will put in place measures that will empower the people as well as create jobs and prosperity.
He appealed to the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), reassuring Nigerian workers that the government would never take them for granted nor fail to appreciate their support and understanding.
“We shall continue to pursue policies aimed at massive employment generation in all sectors of the economy as well as look into immediate challenges that have emerged out of the policies of government. We cannot do this in an atmosphere devoid of industrial peace” he said.
Lalong explained that in the course of the coming weeks, additional measures will be announced having consulted with the leadership of the organised labour and key stakeholders.
He stated further that the review of minimum wage which was promised by President Tinubu is receiving attention.
