Strike suspended: NLC and TUC secure 15-Point mega deal with FG

In a sensational twist of events, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have unleashed a thunderous 15-point agreement that suspends the looming nationwide industrial strike set to send shockwaves across the nation on October 3rd, 2023.

This momentous deal, reached after an intense five-hour behind-the-scenes meeting, holds the promise of transforming the landscape for workers and citizens alike.

Here are the electrifying highlights of this ground-shaking agreement:

1. A wage windfall like no other: The Federal Government has delivered a resounding wage award of N35,000 to all Federal Government workers, commencing from September, until the eagerly awaited new national minimum wage is officially enshrined in law.

2. Enter the wage warriors: Within a mere month from this monumental agreement, a minimum wage committee shall emerge to chart the course for a fairer future.

3. Diesel delight: In an astonishing move, the Federal Government has suspended the collection of Value Added Tax (VAT) on Diesel for an unprecedented six-month period, kicking off in October 2023.

4. The CNG revolution: Brace yourselves for a transport revolution! The Federal Government has committed to earmark N100 billion for the acquisition of high-capacity Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses, set to redefine mass transit across the nation. The wheels are in motion for an astounding initial deployment of 55,000 CNG conversion kits to ignite a nationwide auto gas conversion program. Get ready, as the grand rollout is slated for a sensational takeoff in November, with pioneering initiatives on 10 campuses nationwide.

5. Tax Tales: The Federal Government is poised to launch a dazzling array of tax incentive measures for the private sector and the public at large.

6. Labour Turmoil Tackled: In a game-changing move, the Federal Government vows to handle labor issues with laser focus, aligning with relevant ILO Conventions and Nigerian Labor Acts. Expect a resolution to the ongoing leadership conundrum within the NURTW and the purported proscription of RTEAN by, or even before, October 13.

7. Academic Advocacy: The long-standing saga of outstanding salaries and wages for tertiary education workers in Federal-owned educational institutions is set to find resolution through further engagements by the Ministry of Labor and Employment.

8. Pensioner’s Paradise: An astonishing commitment from the Federal Government to disburse N25,000 per month for three months, starting this October 2023, to a staggering 15 million households, including the vulnerable pensioners.

9. Fertilizer Frenzy: Farmers, rejoice! The Federal Government is ramping up its efforts to subsidize fertilizer distribution to farmers nationwide.

10. Power to the States: The Federal Government is poised to wield its influence to urge State Governments through the National Economic Council and Governors Forum to implement wage awards for their workers, extending the same consideration to local government and private sector employees.

11. SME Success: The Federal Government is set to inject funds, as announced by the President in his August 1st national broadcast, into Micro and Small Scale Enterprises. A transformative wave for MSMEs will prioritize the principles of decent jobs.

12. Refinery Revelations: In a historic move, a joint visitation will descend upon the refineries, unearthing the truth about their rehabilitation status.

13. A New Era of Dialogue: All parties are irrevocably committed to embracing the spirit of social dialogue in all future engagements.

14. Strike Suspended: The NLC and TUC, in a moment of breathtaking unity, have agreed to a 30-day suspension of the imminent nationwide strike slated to kick off on Tuesday, October 3rd, 2023.

15. Court-Ready Commitment: This monumental Memorandum shall be swiftly filed as a consent judgment by the Federal Government within one week, securing its place in the annals of history.

The agreement, a pact of epic proportions, was inked by the Minister of Labour and Employment, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, and the Minister of State for Labour and Employment on behalf of the government.

The NLC and TUC, led by their esteemed President and Secretary General, proudly left their signatures as guardians of the worker’s cause. The nation watches with bated breath as this titanic agreement unfolds, promising a brighter future for all.