The leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) led by its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, and that of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Festus Usifo, has agreed to suspend its protest which started yesterday and was supposed to be indefinite until government acceded to their demands.
The State House broke news of the agreement via a press statement issued last night, Wednesday, August 2, 2023, and signed by Dele Alake, Special Adviser to the President
Special Duties, Communications & Strategy.
“Consequent upon the fruitful and frank discussion with President Tinubu and their confidence in his ability to encourage open and honest consideration of all the issues put forward by the Labour Movement, the Labour Leaders resolved to stop further protest.
“They opted for further constructive engagement with the government to resolve all outstanding issues as they affect the working people and Nigerians in general,” the statement said.
It disclosed that, “President Tinubu gave 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 Italian firm, Maire Tecnimont SpA.
President Tinubu assured the Labour leaders that he would continue to work for the best interest of Nigeria while pleading with the Labour leaders to join hands with him to birth a better and economically buoyant country.”
Present at the meeting with the President alongside the Labour leaders were Mr. Dele Alake, and NNPCL Group Managing Director, Mr. Mele Kyari.