The National strike that was to commence today has been put aside after a 5-hour 20 minutes meeting that started from 8:30 pm on Sunday. The strike action was to be taken due to increase in pump price and electricity tariff.
During the meeting there was an exhaustive deliberation on the issues raised by the Labour centres, after which it was agreed to suspend the application of the cost-reflective electricity tariff adjustments for two weeks.
The five-page Communique that was signed by the representatives of the government and Labour was read by Chris Ngige, the minister of Labour and employment.
The strike was said to be suspended for two weeks for the government to implement what was in the agreement. There was also an agreement to set up a technical committee comprising the NLC, TUC, agencies and ministries departments, for the two weeks suspension.
The members of the meeting were; the minister of state Labour and employment, Festus Keyamo (SAN), Minister of state power, Godwin Jedy-Agba; chairman of National electricity regulatory commission, James Momoh; Special Assistant to the President on infrastructure, Ahmad Zakari as secretary; Onoh’Omhen Ebhohimhen, joe Ajaero (NLC), Chris Okwonkwo (TUC) and a representative of electricity distribution companies.
The meeting also resolved that the 40 percent stake of the government and the stake of workers should be reflected in the composition of the DISCO’s board. To address this issue the NNPC should expedite the rehabilitation of the nations four refineries located in port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna to achieve 50 percent completion by December 2021, while timelines and delivery for Warri and Kaduna will be established by inclusive steering committee.
It also talked about the post rehabilitation; NNPC shall involve PENGASSAN and NUPENG in the process of establishing the operational model of the nation’s refineries. It also agreed to ensure the delivery of 1 million CNG/LPG Autogas conversion kits, storage skids and dispensing units under the Nigeria gas expansion program by December 2021 to enable delivery of cheaper transportation and power fuel.
Meanwhile, many Nigerians have expressed their disappointment over NLC decision to suspend the strike describing it as another act of betrayal.
@adeyanjudeji: “They have compromised. They fear Buhari so much. No solid agreement reached. So after 2-weeks suspension of electricity tariff, what next? So, this fuel price is okay, right?
@jace_bunny: If NLC N TUC can call off strike because of two weeks suspension of electricity tariff. Then they never intended on going on any strike. Like what is two weeks? For what exactly.
