By Our Reporter
Despite eleventh-hour attempts by the National Assembly leadership, organised labour proceeded with its nationwide strike today over the national minimum wage, citing the government’s refusal to increase it to N494,000.
The defiance came after a lengthy emergency meeting at the National Assembly complex, attended by high-ranking government officials and labour representatives.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi; Deputy President of the Senate, Jibrin Barau; Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele; House Leader, Julius Ihonvbere; the Chairmen of the Senate and House Committees on Labour, Employment and Productivity, Diket Plang and Gboyega Adefarati, respectively; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite; Minister of Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji; Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Folasade Yemi-Esan, among other government functionaries were also at the emergency meeting.
Labour was represented by the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero; President of the Trade Union Congress, Festus Osifo, and some leaders of the two unions.
Despite appeals from NASS leaders to suspend the strike and continue negotiations, labour unions vowed to consult their members before making a decision. Meanwhile, the Attorney General of the Federation has labeled the strike premature, illegal, and in violation of court orders. As the strike commences, it is expected that various sectors, including aviation, will joinin solidarity. This is capable of escalating the impact across the nation.