http://www.nigeriafirst.org/article_7452.shtml

Statement by the FG on the Labour Union's call for an indefinite nationwide strike

Jun 20, 2007, 11:04

The Federal Government notes with regret the decision by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and "JAF" that notwithstanding Government's overtures of the last 48 hours, to declare an indefinite general strike and mass protest beginning Wednesday, 20th June, 2007 unless their four-point demands were addressed.

Government recalls that when the Unions gave notice of their four-point demand, President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua instructed that they be immediately engaged in a discussion of all the issues raised.

After a preliminary meeting between the two sides, the leadership of NLC and TUC rather than sustain the discussions, decided to travel abroad for the ILO meeting in Geneva.

In the meantime, the Government team, after waiting for five days, requested the Labour leadership to return and resume the discussions.

It is noteworthy that throughout their interactions with Labour, at formal and informal levels, Government made it clear that it was aware of its sacred responsibility and no individual or group can claim greater concern for the welfare of the Nigerian people. The Labour leaders were, therefore, urged to give the newly inaugurated Government time to study all aspects of the issues raised before arriving at a responsible decision.

This request was rebuffed by the Labour leaders who insisted on an immediate response, failing which they would declare an indefinite general strike. The Labour leaders further indicated that being new themselves, much as they appreciated Government's need for time for a thorough study of their positions, they needed to take a militant stance in order to maintain their credibility with their members.

Regardless, Government continuously engaged the leadership of the Unions in consultations.

It is, however, noteworthy that by Sunday, 17th June 2007, Government had taken its decisions on the issues raised and had informally given indications of these to the Union leaders. Government went further to invite the Labour leadership to inform them formally of these decisions before they went into executive session to take their final decision.

The meeting was scheduled for 10.00 a.m. on Monday, 18th June, 2007 but at the request of the NLC leadership, the meeting was shifted to between 11.30 a.m. and 12 noon to enable their colleagues of the TUC who were coming from Lagos to join them.

Government was, therefore, surprised to learn that rather than honouring the invitation, the National Executives of the NLC and TUC, together with JAF, the latter having never participated in the negotiations, had met and taken the decision to embark on a strike which they announced at a Press Conference on Monday afternoon.

Any well meaning Nigerian in whose name labour purports to speak can see that the tone and content of this Press statement clearly indicated a political, rather than an industrial agenda.

Indeed, in the Press Statement, the Labour leaders widened the scope of their demands to include elements which they never raised in the course of their engagement with Government.

To put the record in perspective, it is pertinent for Government to make public the decisions it had arrived at which would have been conveyed to the leadership of the Unions had they honoured the invitation to the meeting in the morning of Monday, 18th June, 2007.

(1) The N10 per litre increase in the pump head price of petrol (PMS) is reduced by N5;

(2) The N10 per litre increase in the price of kerosene is revoked;

(3) The N10 per litre increase in the price of diesel is revoked;

(4) The 5% increase in Value Added Tax (VAT) is revoked;

(5) The 15% increase on basic salary for all Federal employees with effect from 1st January, 2007 is to be implemented.


The Labour leadership eventually came to the table after making their Press Statement and they were informed of these decisions. They expressed satisfaction with the decisions, but they insisted on proceeding with the strike action regardless unless the entire N10 per litre increase on Petrol was removed.

Government expressed the view that the 50% reduction on the Petrol price increase per litre was a sufficient acknowledgement of the difficulties arising from the N10 per litre increase and urged Labour to accept the package as a whole.

In arriving at these decisions, Government took into consideration the overall national interest and they are not, and should not be, misconstrued as a response to the agitation of any group or individuals.

Government is aware of and sensitive to the plight of the Nigerian people and is resolved to address them squarely. Policy initiatives towards this end are being finalised. This resolve was underscored by President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua in his inaugural address on May 29 this year when he said: "Let us join together to ease the pains of today while working for the gains of tomorrow."

Government wishes to make it clear that it is ready to engage any individual or group in constructive discussion of any issue aimed at promoting the welfare and well-being of the Nigerian people.

It is in this context that Government is reviewing and re-evaluating all policy decisions which in the light of experience may require refinement and further adjustment.

Government, therefore, urges all law-abiding Nigerians and members of the international community to go about their businesses and resist any attempt by any individual or group to use them to attain political objectives masked as agitation in defence of the public interest. All steps have been taken to ensure the safety and security of any citizen or foreign resident going about their lawful business.


Ambassador Baba Gana Kingibe
Secretary to the Government of the Federation.