TUC Sets Two-Week Deadline for FG to Provide Subsidy Removal Palliatives

Uchendu Alexis

The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has issued a stern ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding swift action in providing relief measures for federal workers affected by the removal of the subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

Expressing concern over the growing impatience among workers due to the hardships resulting from the subsidy removal, TUC President Comrade Festus Osifo made these remarks during a meeting with Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, held on Tuesday, September 19, in Abuja.

This meeting followed the September 4 gathering initiated by the minister to address the demands of organized labor.

Osifo emphasized that workers were grappling with immense pressures, causing considerable hardship and sleepless nights for the TUC leadership. He stated, “Congress was hopeful that within the next two weeks, President Bola Tinubu would have taken all necessary actions to reach a conclusion eagerly awaited by workers to alleviate tension and the threat of service withdrawal.”

The Director of Press and Public Relations for the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Olajide Oshundun, made this statement before the meeting entered into a closed-door session. After the meeting, TUC reported that fruitful discussions were held and expressed hope that the government would fulfill its promises and responsibilities to ensure the welfare of workers and Nigerians in general.

Minister Lalong called the meeting to brief TUC leadership on the federal government’s efforts to address their grievances. In the company of Minister of State Nkeiruka Onyeajeocha, he assured TUC that he had discussed the labor union’s concerns with President Bola Tinubu and that further directives had been given for their implementation.

The Minister urged TUC to exercise patience and emphasized their commitment to the Nigerian project and their openness to dialogue for greater industrial harmony.

Some of Labor’s demands include wage awards, tax exemptions, and allowances for public sector workers, provision of Compressed Natural Gas buses, the release of modalities for the N70bn for Small and Medium Enterprises, and the release of officials of the National Union of Road Transport Workers detained by the police, among others. Minister Lalong also shared updates on Twitter regarding the meeting with TUC leadership.