The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment has responded to a press release issued by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on October 18, 2023, which alleged that the Honourable Minister, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong, was involved in undermining the critical Labour-Federal Government Agreement reached on October 2, 2023.
The Ministry emphatically refutes these allegations and wishes to state that they are without foundation.
In a statement signed by Olajide Oshundun, Director of Information, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, noted that the Ministry reiterates that, since taking office and upon being made aware of the dispute among various factions within the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), the Honourable Minister has consistently, fairly, and diligently addressed the matter with the intention of finding a resolution.
Numerous meetings have been convened with representatives of the conflicting groups to work toward a resolution, and these efforts remain ongoing.
Therefore, it is not accurate to assert that the Minister is showing support for any particular group during the negotiation process.
The Ministry assures members of the NURTW, the NLC, and the entire Labor movement that the Minister, as the Chief Conciliator, is committed to collaborating with all concerned parties to achieve reconciliation, foster harmony, and maintain industrial peace.
