The Federal Government stated on Wednesday that it harbours no apprehensions about a looming economic shutdown, as the 21-day ultimatum issued by organised labour nears its end.
Last Monday’s negotiations ended in a deadlock as both parties failed to reach a compromise on the labour unions’ demands regarding the removal of petrol subsidies, but the situation has not evolved.
‘I don’t think there is any problem. We don’t have any fears about some of the things they (labour) put on the table and also the suggestions and the package of the Federal Government,’ the Minister of Labour, Simon Lalong, told State House Correspondents after a private meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima, at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, Wednesday evening.
Several days ago, Lalong engaged with organised labour in Abuja. Nonetheless, neither side managed to find common ground, with the Nigerian Labour Congress standing firm on its demands, ahead of the 21-day ultimatum it issued on September 1.
Citing delays in the distribution of palliatives, the union gave a 21-day ultimatum and warned that it might have no choice but to declare an indefinite labour strike unless its demands were satisfied.
It was stated that everything is in place for a full-scale economic shutdown, set to commence when the ultimatum expires on Friday.
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Resulting from his meeting with Shettima, the labour minister replied to questions regarding the deadline for an indefinite strike by the organised labour, saying, ‘As for me, I don’t think there is any problem. We have fully spent time with the Nigerian labour and the posture of the President too is towards the welfare and prosperity for workers.’
‘We have no doubt and that’s why, in many of our meetings with them, we did not end up boxing ourselves. We hope that the best is going to come.’
On the strike threats, he said, ‘Don’t worry about that. That’s why I said it’s a friendly engagement we are having with them.’
Hammering on the need for definite remarks on whether or not the strike kicks off on Thursday, the former Plateau State Governor said, ‘I don’t want to say that; I’m not the NLC’s President.’
Joe Ajaero, the National President of the NLC, remained unresponsive despite the efforts of newsmen.
Hakeem Ambali, an official from the Labor Centre, did not respond when approached by journalists for inquiries on the matter.
In their list of demands, the NLC and the Trade Union Congress include wage awards, the execution of palliatives, tax exemptions, and allowances for public sector employees, as well as a reevaluation of the minimum wage.
The Federal Government had assured that it would revamp the framework for engaging with organised labour on palliatives. However, the eight-week period allocated for concluding this task concluded in August without any steps taken.