Subsidy removal: We shall continue to dialogue on implementation of agreed terms, says Gbajabiamila

The speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila says that the Federal Government will continue to dialogue with the labour leaders on the implementation of the agreed terms.

Gbajabiamila said this following the decision of the Nigerian labour unions to suspend the proposed strike scheduled for Wednesday, June 7, 2023, as a result of the removal of the fuel subsidy.

“After due consultations with the Labour Leaders, a consensus leading to the suspension of the planned nationwide strike has been reached,” Gbajabiamila tweeted.

“The parties shall continue to dialogue on the implementation of the agreed terms.”

Both parties met for two days but no resolution was met to halt the proposed industrial action.

On Monday, the labour unions finally agreed to halt the proposed strike after meeting with government officials at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Labour unions are opposing the removal of fuel subsidy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, causing petrol prices to jump to over N500 per litre in different parts of the country.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) president, Joe Ajaero and his team arrived at the presidential villa at about 5:45 pm on Monday.

The NLC was absent at the meeting between the government representatives and organised labour on Sunday.

Representatives of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) were however in attendance.

Federal government representatives at the meeting on Monday included House of Reps speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, Dele Alake, spokesperson for the government’s delegation; group CEO of NNPCL Mele Kyari, former governor of Edo state Adams Oshiomhole and former governor of Ogun State Ibikunle Amosun.

The labour unions agreed to halt the strike for government to introduce plans to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal on Nigerians.

Gbajabiamila said the Federal Government, the TUC and the NLC would establish a joint committee to review the proposal for any wage increase or award and establish a framework and timeline for implementation.

“The Federal Government, the TUC and the NLC would review World Bank Financed Cash transfer scheme and propose the inclusion of low-income earners in the programme,” Gbajabiamila said.

Prior to the meeting, the National Industrial Court had restrained the labour unions from embarking on any form of strike.