Oredola Adeola

Following the Federal Government’s failure to implement the 16-point agreement agreed on October 2, 2023, the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress have given the federal government two weeks to commence the implementation of policies that will reduce the impact of the government’s economic policies on citizens.

In a joint statement obtained by Advisors Reports on Thursday, the NLC and TUC expressed their decision to issue a stern ultimatum to the FG, citing the general harsh socioeconomic consequences of the ill-conceived and ill-executed IMF/World Bank induced hike in the price of PMS and the Devaluation of the Naira as the reason for their action.

The NLC said, “These agreements which were reached with the federal government were focused on addressing the massive suffering.

“Constrained by this development and recognizing the urgency of the situation and the imperative of ensuring the protection and defense of the rights and dignity of Nigerian workers and citizens, the NLC and TUC hereby issue a stern ultimatum to the Federal Government, to honour their part of the understanding within 14 Days from tomorrow, the 9th day of February 2024.

the other parts of the statement themed: “NON-IMPLEMENTATION OF AGREEMENT BY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT: DEEPENS MASS SUFFERING AND A SHOW OF BAD FAITH,” reads in part.

Widespread Hunger is now ravishing millions of Nigerians, with the Workers purchasing power significantly eroded, while insecurity has assumed an increasing dimension. Nigerians are left wondering where their next meals will come from and what tomorrow might bring.

The level of panic and anxiety amongst the populace has become nightmarish unfortunately, in the midst of all these, it appears our government is bereft of appropriate measures to ameliorate the huge burden it has foisted on the citizenry.

We wish to state that these agreements, which encompass a wide range of issues crucial to the well-being of Nigerian masses and workers, have not been honored as pledged by the Federal Government. From Wage Awards, Palliative adjustments to improved access to public utilities; to the meddlesomeness in the internal affairs of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the interference by the Lagos State Government in union activities, the case of illegal and unlawful proscription of Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria RTEAN.

The government’s failure to uphold its end of the bargain is deeply regrettable and unacceptable to the Working people and the citizenry.

Constrained by this development and recognizing the urgency of the situation and the imperative of ensuring the protection and defence of the rights and dignity of Nigerian workers and citizens, the NLC and TUC hereby issue a stern ultimatum to the Federal Government, to honour their part of the understanding within 14 Days from tomorrow, the 9th day of February 2024.

It is regrettable that we are compelled to resort to such measures, but the persistent neglect of the welfare of citizens and Nigerian workers and the massive hardship leaves us with no choice. Therefore, everything must be done within the two weeks to avoid a situation where we may be compelled to take appropriate steps to protect Nigerian workers and masses.

We call upon the Federal Government to honor its commitments without delay. The time for empty promises and excuses has passed. The time for action is now. Our patience has worn thin, and the situation has become unbearable for workers and masses all over the federation. Further silence amounts to committing mass suicide and this remains the only feasible course of action left for us and Nigerians to -compel remedial action by Government.