Labour minister predicts fewer strikes, industrial actions in 2025

The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon. Dr. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, has predicted fewer workers’ strikes or industrial actions in 2025.

She stated that the Federal Government is already addressing unfavourable working conditions in the country with plans to review minimum wage rates every three years.

The minister, who hails from Abia State, spoke with journalists in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, after meeting with leaders of the State Traditional Rulers Council, Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) affiliate unions, All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).

During the meetings, she delivered President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s yuletide and New Year goodwill messages to them.

The traditional rulers prayed for the success of the Federal Government led by President Tinubu and Minister Onyejeocha, commending both as patriotic Nigerians working for the good, peace, progress, and development of the country.

Noting that issues regarding minimum wage have triggered strike actions that disrupted government activities and reduced productivity, Minister Onyejeocha, who served four consecutive terms as a lawmaker in the House of Representatives, disclosed that the Federal Government would henceforth review wages to improve the welfare of Nigerian workers.

According to her, President Tinubu’s administration would sustain efforts to address hunger and unemployment in the country. She also indicated that she would convey to the President feedback from her interactions with the groups, which she said could guide her ministry accordingly.

While urging traditional rulers to take actions that foster unity, promote peace, and drive national development, the Minister called on the media and labour unions to collaborate to ensure the desired national progress and productivity, emphasizing that both are integral parts of governance.

The Chairman of the State AFAN, Mr. Ndudim Ikelua, called on the Federal Government to provide farmers with the necessary implements to enable them to engage in commercial farming.

He noted that Abia State has abundant fertile and arable lands suitable for producing various crops in commercial quantities. However, he lamented that willing farmers are incapacitated by a lack of necessary equipment for mechanized agriculture.