According to the president, following a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja on Wednesday evening, labor leaders, including the President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) Joe Ajaero and Trade Union Congress (TUC) Festus Usifo, have decided to cease future protests.
The conference took place shortly following the unions’ nationwide protest.
Dele Alake, outgoing Special Adviser to the President on Communication and Strategy, acknowledged in a statement issued minutes after the meeting that labor leaders have expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s commitment to addressing the issues addressed by the labor movement.
They agreed to engage constructively with the government to resolve outstanding matters concerning the welfare of workers and Nigerians in general.
According to Alake, President Tinubu has assured the labour leaders that the Port Harcourt refineries would resume production by December 2023, following the completion of rehabilitation work under a contract with Maire Tecnimont SpA, an Italian firm, and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
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Furthermore, President Tinubu urged the labour leaders to collaborate in shaping a better and more economically prosperous future for Nigeria, pledging to work in the country’s best interests.
See the full statement below:
STATE HOUSE PRESS STATEMENT
LABOUR UNIONS TO SUSPEND FURTHER PROTEST AFTER FRUITFUL MEETING WITH PRESIDENT TINUBU
The leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress led by its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, and that of Trade Union Congress, Comrade Festus Usifo, held a meeting with President Bola Tinubu Wednesday evening at the State House, Abuja.
Consequent upon the fruitful and frank discussion with President Tinubu and their confidence in his ability to encourage open and honest consideration of all the issues put forward by the Labour Movement, the Labour Leaders resolved to stop further protest.
They opted for further constructive engagement with the government to resolve all outstanding issues as they affect the working people and Nigerians in general.
President Tinubu promised Labour leaders that the Port Harcourt refineries will be operational by December 2023, following the completion of the ongoing rehabilitation contract between NNPCL and the Italian business Maire Tecnimont SpA.
President Tinubu informed the Labour leaders that he would continue to strive for the greatest interests of Nigeria, asking with them to join hands with him to create a better and more prosperous country.
Dele Alake
Special Adviser to the President
Special Duties, Communications & Strategy