The Labour Party (LP) has issued a fervent plea to both the Federal Government and Organised Labour to resume negotiations and find common ground for the sake of the Nigerian populace, who are currently grappling with the repercussions of the ongoing strike.
In a statement released by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, the LP highlighted the profound impact of the strike, lamenting the abrupt plunge of Nigeria into darkness, closure of hospitals, and depletion of water supply within a few hours of the strike commencement.
This, the LP asserted, has plunged Nigerians into yet another cycle of adversity.
The LP emphasized the imperative for both parties to be flexible and seek a middle ground to alleviate the suffering inflicted upon the masses by the industrial action.
According to Ifoh, the initiation of the strike could have been averted if the Federal Government had taken proactive measures.
He underscored the urgent need for an increase in the minimum wage, citing the inadequacy of the current wage of N30,000 to meet the economic realities faced by Nigerians.
“It cannot stand the economic realities of the people today. This reality accords the importance of an upward review of the minimum wage,” stated Ifoh.
The LP stressed the necessity for both the government and labour unions to recalibrate their positions in the spirit of negotiation, advocating for a mutually beneficial resolution that addresses the pressing concerns of all stakeholders.
“The amount being tabled by the Federal Government can be upped but the Organised Labour must also prune their demands.
“We want to urge both parties to come back to the drawing tables. We particularly appeal to the Federal Government, that they must play the role of the father figure by ensuring that Labour comes back to the table so that they can discuss and agree to avert the current suffering that the people are going through,” the statement read.
The LP’s call for dialogue echoes the widespread sentiment among Nigerians, who eagerly await a swift resolution to the impasse between the government and labour unions.
As the strike persists, the nation remains in a state of uncertainty, with the hope that constructive dialogue will pave the way for a swift resolution and relief for the populace.
The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) commenced a nationwide strike on Monday, citing the Federal Government’s failure to approve their proposed minimum wage in light of prevailing economic conditions.
They argued that the current minimum wage of N30,000 is insufficient to adequately support the welfare of an average Nigerian worker.
They expressed dismay that not all state governors are adhering to the current wage structure, which expired in April 2024, five years after the enactment of the Minimum Wage Act of 2019 by former President Muhammadu Buhari.
They stressed the need for the Act to be reviewed every five years to align with the evolving economic needs of workers.