Abuja: President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr. Joe Ajaero, says the meeting held with President Bola Tinubu by organised labour on Tuesday night centered on addressing the issue of financial insecurity of Nigerian workers. Ajaero stated this after a meeting convened by Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo with the NLC leadership in Abuja on Wednesday.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Tinubu’s meeting with the NLC leadership at the State House on Tuesday night was part of the last-minute efforts to halt the union’s proposed nationwide protest over insecurity. NAN recalled that the NLC had declared a nationwide protest for Dec. 17, citing what it described as the country’s ‘degenerating security situation.’
At the resumption of the meeting, Ajaero said that the engagement that Labour had with the Federal Government was to cancel the planned protest. Ajaero stated that workers who were poorly paid and inadequately fed were more likely to face deeper challenges than those whose welfare needs were properly met.
Ajaero further elaborated that discussions with the president included promises that the issue of insecurity would be addressed soon, with assurances from Tinubu that extra steps were being taken to resolve it. The president emphasized the importance of financial security, acknowledging that well-fed and well-paid workers face fewer problems.
On the status of the protest, Ajaero mentioned that while the morning’s action had already commenced, they would consult with their members before making any decisions. He clarified that the protest was not indefinite and that the issue of suspension had not been addressed since the action had already started.
Gov. Uzodimma, Chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum (PGF), emphasized the president’s role in resolving the matter and highlighted the importance of continuous communication with labour. He noted that the discussions covered various aspects including the Nigerian economy, worker welfare, national security, and ongoing reforms, with all parties showing agreement.
Uzodimma expressed appreciation for Tinubu’s proactive approach in explaining his security enhancement programs and for the NLC’s maturity and commitment to national security and worker welfare. He mentioned that all parties had agreed to collaborate for the country’s and citizens’ interests.