In a significant turn of events, the organised labour in Nigeria has decided to suspend its nationwide protests against the removal of fuel subsidies.
The decision came after a crucial meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, during which the labour leaders secured vital commitments from the government to address their concerns.
Trade Union Congress (TUC) President, Festus Osifo, announced the suspension in an interview with Arise News on Thursday morning, August 03, 2023. According to Osifo, the government has made pledges to undertake significant reforms in response to the unions' demands.
"The protest has been called off because the government has promised that within the next week, a lot of things will be put in place," stated Osifo, expressing the labour leaders' satisfaction with the government's assurances.
One of the key concessions obtained from the government is the establishment of a committee to review the minimum wage, aimed at addressing workers' compensation concerns. This move is expected to alleviate some of the hardships faced by workers in the country.
Additionally, measures will be implemented to provide palliatives that aim to mitigate the impacts of the fuel price increase, which has been a major point of contention for the unions. These steps demonstrate the government's commitment to easing the burden on citizens amidst the changes in fuel subsidies.
While the organised labour has decided to suspend the protests, Osifo emphasized that the unions would closely monitor the government's implementation of these promises. Should the government fail to fulfill its commitments, the strike could be resumed.
Wednesday's nationwide protests were the first large-scale demonstrations witnessed since the administration of President Tinubu, who assumed office in May.
Despite the magnitude of the demonstrations and the incident where the National Assembly gate was pulled down, the protests were reportedly peaceful, reflecting the responsible conduct of the organised labour and their dedication to voicing their concerns through non-violent means.
