The Federal Government said it has reviewed the commitments made with organised labour in the agreement signed on October 2, 2023.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, on Wednesday.
The Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress had on February 8 issued a 14-day nationwide strike notice to the government over the failure to implement the agreements reached on October 2, following the removal of the fuel subsidy.
The organised labour, on Monday, began mobilising its members for nationwide protests slated for February 27 and 28 over the cost of living crisis in the country.
The Federal Government’s failure to fulfil its promises after the 14-day ultimatum by Labour, according to sources, will be met with a two-day nationwide protest.
However, the FG noted that it has paid four out of six months of the wage award of N35,000, adding that the Minimum Wage Committee, which was inaugurated on January 30, 2024 has held two meetings and discussions are ongoing.
Onyejeocha, said, “On the payment of wage award of N35,000 for six months, government has so far paid for four months up to 31st December, 2023. The remaining two months of January and February 2024 are being processed.
“On the Minimum Wage Committee, Government has on 30th January, 2024, inaugurated a 37 member tripartitecCommittee on National Minimum Wage to review and come up with an acceptable and sustainable minimum wage for the Nigerian Workers. The committee has so far held two meetings, and discussions are on-going.
“Government has constantly engaged various state governments and the private sector on the issue of the implementation of wage award for their workers, and this has been receiving favourable compliance by state governments. Government will continue to use all relevant channels to ensure sustainability of the programmes.
“With respect to the suspension of collection of Value Added Tax on diesel for six months beginning from October, 2023, this was effected immediately. It is on record, that no one has been subjected to this form of taxation since October, 2023.”
