Labour suspends protest
The Organised Labour has agreed to suspend its nationwide protest to give room for negotiation with the federal government.
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday had a closed-door meeting with leaders of labour unions at the State House in Abuja.
This development comes in the wake of widespread protests in several states, prompted by the perceived delay in providing relief from economic hardships resulting from the removal of fuel subsidy.
On Monday, the President addressed the nation, enumerating his plans for economic revamp but the NLC insisted it was not the silver bullet Nigerians wanted.
In a statement jointly signed by the NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero and his TUC counterpart, Comrade Festus Osifo commended Nigerian workers for the massive turnout for the protest across the country.
”Our hats are doffed at your determination and commitment to saving ourselves and indeed the nation from those whose only interest is to foist continuous deprivation and suffering on Nigerians,” the statement read.
It said the workers had sent a very strong signal to leaders at all levels that they must listen to the people.
It also thanked the leadership of the National Assembly for their pledge to resolving the issues raised by the Nigerian people and for their deep understanding of the need for Government to provide quick wins as succor with short timelines to ameliorate the consequence of the hike in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) on the citizenry.
The statement said the Organised Labour has been charged with contempt of Court, adding that the leadership remains resolute in its commitment to the protection of the interests and welfare of the Nigerians, and will neither take its eyes away from this focus nor shake this belief.
Port Harcourt refineries to start production by December 2023
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has given his commitment to the labour leaders that the Port Harcourt refineries will start production by December 2023 after the completion of the ongoing rehabilitation contract between NNPCL and an Italian firm.
In a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communications, and Strategy, Mr. Dele Alake, President Tinubu assured that he would continue to work for the best interest of Nigeria.
He pleaded with the unions to join hands with him to deliver a better and economically buoyant country.
Reporting by Abdullah Bello
