Fed Govt to Resume Payment of N35,000 Wage Award to Public Workers

The Federal Government has pledged to resume the payment of the N35,000 wage award to public service workers this week. The assurance came through the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, during a meeting with the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress in Abuja on Tuesday.

In a statement by the Director of Press and Public Relations of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Olajide Oshundun, Onyejeocha appealed to the labour organisations to withdraw their 14-day ultimatum as the government had stepped up efforts to complete the implementation of the agreement.

The two labour centres had accused the government of failing to implement the 16-point agreement reached with them on October 2, 2023, and subsequently gave a 14-day ultimatum on February 8, which has now entered its 6th day.

The Minister convened the meeting to brief the Labour centres on the progress of the implementation of the agreement and to reaffirm the government's commitment to it. She emphasized the government's good faith and urgency in resolving the issue through dialogue, expressing readiness to address outstanding concerns.

On the CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) buses initiative, the government has made significant progress, with 70% payment already made for the procurement of new buses and CNG kits. Michael Oluwagbemi, the programme director and chief executive of the Presidential CNG Initiative, outlined plans for assembly, including tricycles, between March and April 2024.

The meeting agreed on an immediate joint inspection visit to the Port Harcourt Refinery to confirm reported progress in getting it back into operation. While acknowledging the legitimacy of labour's concerns, Onyejeocha emphasized the need for patience as some items in the agreement could only be achieved gradually.

Labour leaders reiterated their commitment to the ultimatum, urging the government to expedite the agreement's implementation. President of NLC, Joe Ajaero, emphasized the importance of meeting the ultimatum deadline and urged both parties to fulfill their obligations for the benefit of all Nigerians.

First Deputy President of TUC, Tommy Okon, echoed concerns about the government's gradual approach and stressed the vital role of organised labour in managing crises in the country.

while the government assured continued efforts towards full implementation of the agreement, labour urged swift action to meet their demands, highlighting the necessity of mutual commitment for the welfare of workers and the nation.