The leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) was absent at a meeting called by the federal government to avert the planned two-day warning strike by the union.

The Cable paper understands only Festus Osifo, president of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), showed up for the meeting slated for 3 p.m. but started at exactly 5:32 p,m.

The strike would start on Tuesday, according to an announcement made by NLC president Joe Ajaero on September 1.

Simon Lalong, the minister of labor and employment, called to the NLC to postpone the planned warning strike over the effect of the elimination of gasoline subsidies on the general public during a press conference on Monday in Abuja.

According to Lalong, such a strike would be harmful to the advancements the current administration has already made.

He argued that the congress’s top officials ought to allow the administration more time to address the problems brought up by the NLC.

In light of these issues, Lalong urged the NLC leadership to “reiterate my call for the suspension of the warning strike and subsequent future actions to allow us to work together to amiably resolve these issues rather than embark on actions that would further deteriorate the conditions of the citizens of Nigeria.”

“I would ask that the NLC’s comrade leadership give this government some time to settle in and deal with the local problems comprehensively.

“It should be remembered that the President only recently swore in the cabinet of this administration, and all cabinet members have already gotten briefings from respective MDAs.

Saan1 (
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