The Nigeria Labour Congress has stated that part of President Bola Tinubu’s “commitment” to the organised labour is that the government-owned refinery in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, will begin production by December.
The NLC president, Joe Ajaero, stated this while speaking with State House correspondents after a meeting with the president on Tuesday in Abuja, adding that the labour leaders had thoroughly examined the proposed measures put forward by the presidency.
“He (President Tinubu) committed to an immediate restructuring of the framework for engagement in line with the input of the Labour leaders. He let out a certainty that the Port Harcourt Refinery will commence production by December this year. He pledged to ensure that Agreement is reached on the Wage Award for Nigerian workers immediately,” Ajaero said.
The NLC and the Trade Union Congress said they would return to the dialogue process after the meeting with Tinubu, which suggested an end to their nationwide protests.
Ajaero had said, “It is pertinent to inform Nigerians that the extent of the success of the protest is underlined by the request of the President of the federal republic of Nigeria, Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu to meet with the leadership of the NLC and TUC in a closed-door session.
“The engagement was fruitful that immense mileage was gotten with regards to the issues that bogged down the work of the Presidential Committee on Subsidy removal and necessitated the protest.
“He promised to unveil a workable roadmap to the CNG alternative next week. On the strength of the President’s pledge and commitment, we have decided for a return to a new and reinvigorated dialogue process to allow for full implementation.
“Once again, we thank Nigerians while we wait for the government to fulfill its own part of the understanding as agreed with His Excellency; the President.”
STATE HOUSE PRESS STATEMENT
LABOUR UNIONS TO SUSPEND FURTHER PROTEST AFTER FRUITFUL MEETING WITH PRESIDENT TINUBU
The leadership of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) led by its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, and that of Trade Union Congress, Comrade Festus Usifo, held a meeting with President Bola Tinubu Wednesday evening at the State House, Abuja.
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.
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.
Dele Alake
Special Adviser to the President
(Special Duties, Communications & Strategy)
August 3, 2023
