By Fawaz Adebisi
The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced that it is set to give 15 million households a sum of N75,000 adding that it is also going to pay it’s workers N25,000 for six months.
This was disclosed, with the aim to address the ongoing dispute triggered by the removal of the subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), after high-stakes negotiations with the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) was made on Sunday.
According to the release issued after the meeting, the government has committed to disbursing N25,000 monthly to all treasury-paid federal employees for the next six months, stressing that the initiative aims to cushion the impact of recent economic challenges.
Also, it explained that 15 million households will be given N25,000 per month for the next three months, totaling N75,000.
The meeting, chaired by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, included virtual participation from Governor Abdulrazak Abdulrahman of Kwara State, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), and Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State.
Additionally, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu joined virtually, pledging to resolve the dispute between the Road Transport Employees Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) and the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Lagos State.
Prominent figures in attendance at this crucial gathering included the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, and the Minister of State, Labour, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, among others.
The resolution of this meeting underscores several significant points:
1. The importance of maintaining a productive workforce without resorting to strikes.
2. A commitment to presenting labour’s request for a higher wage award to President Bola Tinubu for further consideration.
3. The formation of a sub-committee tasked with implementing various government interventions aimed at mitigating the effects of fuel subsidy removal.
4. Urgent attention to the lingering issues between the Road Transport Employees Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) and the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Lagos State.
The NLC and TUC leaders have expressed their intent to review and consider the offers made by the Federal Government, with the possibility of suspending the planned strike to facilitate further discussions on the implementation of these resolutions.
These developments signify a proactive approach by the Federal Government in addressing pressing economic challenges while fostering dialogue with key stakeholders.
