Labour Minister Nkiruka Onyejeocha asserted that the Federal Government has largely fulfilled its commitments, achieving approximately 90% of the accord reached with Organised Labour last October.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Onyejeocha noted that during a recent meeting, Nigeria Labour Congress President Joe Ajaero acknowledged that the protest was not a response to the government’s adherence to the October agreement.
Emphasizing the government’s dedication to food security and economic growth, Onyejeocha urged Nigerians to remain patient as the administration progresses through its planting season towards forthcoming benefits.
She highlighted that the government has addressed the majority of the 15-point memorandum of understanding signed with Organised Labour, including implementing a N35,000 minimum wage, establishing a minimum wage committee, and suspending VAT on Diesel for six months.
Regarding the procurement of high-capacity CNG buses for mass transit, Onyejeocha stated that funds have been disbursed, although delays in shipment arrivals at ports remain beyond the government’s control.
Despite ongoing economic challenges such as inflation and forex instability, exacerbated by the removal of petrol subsidies, labour protests erupted across Nigeria. However, following discussions between the Presidency and labour leaders, the protests were temporarily suspended after achieving initial objectives on the first day.
