The Federal Government and Organised Labour reached a new agreement on Wednesday to address the soaring prices of transport and essential goods, particularly food items......See Full Story>>.....See Full Story>>
This move comes in response to growing public unease over inflation and the escalating cost of living in Nigeria.
The agreement was revealed after a meeting in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, coinciding with a call from the House of Representatives for the government to reverse the recent increase in petrol prices.
According to Vanguard, the agreements include:
– Modalities to Reduce Costs: The Federal Government and Labour agreed on methods to lower transport fares and prices of essential commodities, particularly foodstuffs.
– CNG Initiatives: The government will release over 2,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion kits and 45 CNG buses to Labour, contributing to the goal of reducing transport costs.
– State Governors’ Meeting: A meeting will be held with state governors to ensure the new minimum wage of N70,000 is fully implemented across the nation.
– Continuous Engagement: Both parties committed to ongoing discussions to improve their relationship and address issues collaboratively, preferring dialogue over conflict.
– Incorporation into Economic Council: Labour will be integrated into the economic council, allowing for better monitoring and participation in economic policy-making.
– Addressing Outstanding Payments: The government promised to pay all outstanding wage awards and arrears to workers and to inaugurate boards with Labour representatives.
– Refinery Completion: The government pledged to hasten the completion of almost five refineries.
– Acknowledgment of Past Issues: The government admitted to shortcomings in honoring past agreements and promised to improve moving forward.