Palliatives: Govt silent four days to eight-week deadline for talks

With four days left of an eight-week deadline for conclusion of talks between authorities and organised labour, Nigerians are yet to hear tangible news from the government.

The Guardian learnt that up until now, sub-committees set up to hasten implementation of a framework for cushioning effects of petrol subsidy removal on Nigerians, had never met since they were inaugurated.

A member of the committee on cost of governance and deputy president of Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), Dr. Tommy Okon, told The Guardian that since the last meeting with President Bola Tinubu and organised labour, which led to the suspension of protests and withdrawal of contempt charges by Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, nothing had happened.

He said: “We are still waiting. Nothing has been heard from the government. The protest was suspended because Mr. President intervened, and the planned nationwide strike was also called off, since the Ministry of Justice withdrew the contempt charges.

“Till date, the effect of the removal of fuel subsidy is still lingering. The masses are suffering, salaries of workers have remained static, and the government has not done anything to that effect. Organised labour gave the government an ultimatum, which expires on August 19, and it is fast approaching, and nothing seems to be done.”

He added: “It shows that the government was not prepared. Any government that is prepared to take care of responsibilities, which also has it in mind that there is going to be removal of fuel subsidy, is supposed to put machinery in motion to cushion effects.”

Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) president, Joe Ajaero, had accused the Federal Government of refusing to put in place safeguards to protect Nigerians from harsh economic situations inflicted by its policies.

He alleged that the government frustrated and abandoned its committee, which was a product of social dialogue between government and workers’ bodies.

He said while the committee had not met, the government embarked on unilateral actions and programmes, which destabilised the peace of mind of Nigerians.