Reps Speaker begs NLC: Don’t embark on strike

Reps Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has appealed to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) not to embark on its planned strike.

In his welcome remarks at the resumption of plenary in Abuja on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, Abbas pledged that the House would engage and support the executive to resolve the current economic hardship in the country.

The Speaker explained that embarking on strike will only make the situation worse for all Nigerians, urging the NLC to consider ongoing efforts to improve the economy.

Following the removal of fuel subsidy and the accompanied economic hardship, the union demanded sustainable minimum wage and palliatives for Nigerians.

The NLC also issued a 21-day ultimatum upon its expiration at midnight today (Tuesday) to embark on an indefinite strike.

Speaking on the development, Abbas said: “As the people’s representatives, we feel and equally share in the pains of our people at these very difficult times.

“However, I would like to appeal to the NLC to consider the various actions being taken by the Federal Government to alleviate the current hardship faced by Nigerians.

“As promised earlier, this House remains committed to getting a survival wage to all Nigerian workers.

“The 10th House had assured Nigerians that we would be interfacing between the organised labour and the government to quickly work out a realistic new national minimum wage.

“Also, other palliatives to enable citizens cope with the economic impact of fuel subsidy removal, the downward fall of the naira to the dollar, skyrocketing cost of food and general high cost of living in the country.

“It is our considered opinion that embarking on a nationwide strike at this point will only aggravate an already bad situation.

“I therefore urge the leadership of labour unions to give us the benefit of doubt and suspend any planned strike action while we engage the executive.”

The Star