The Federal Government has sought the cooperation of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in advancing workers’ welfare and national productivity. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, emphasized the importance of collaboration during her visit to the NLC leadership in Abuja. She stressed that working together would facilitate the resolution of issues affecting workers across the country.
Onyejeocha highlighted the ministry’s strategy to engage key stakeholders in aligning with the government’s labour sector agenda. She underscored the significance of labour unions in improving the conditions of Nigerian workers, expressing the government’s interest in their well-being, including health, working environment, and wages.
Acknowledging the impact of strikes on the economy, the minister urged the NLC to minimize industrial actions, emphasizing that they disrupt economic activities and lead to losses. She assured the NLC of the government’s commitment to enhancing workers’ welfare and creating a conducive environment for sustainable economic growth.
In response, Joe Ajaero, the NLC President, appreciated the minister’s visit as a demonstration of concern for workers and a willingness to collaborate with organized labour. He urged the government to refrain from infringing on trade union rights and to fulfill agreements made with labour, citing these as crucial for building trust.
Ajaero emphasized that labour unions resort to strikes as a last resort, preferring to engage in dialogue to resolve disputes. He called for the government’s attention to outstanding agreements with labour as a demonstration of its commitment to workers’ well-being.
Daily Nigerian