NLC, TUC Talks with NASS End in Deadlock

NLC and TUC demand a strike as the meeting with the leadership of the NASS ends in impasse

Talks between the National Assembly leadership and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have broken down, clearing the way for a nationwide strike to begin on Monday, as labour unions prepare to take a stand in pursuit of their demands.

The goal of the meeting, which was chaired by Speaker Tajuddeen Abbas of the House of Representatives and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, was to convince labor to postpone its planned strike over demands for a minimum wage.

Festus Osifo, the president of the Trade Union Congress, declared that the strike will go forward as scheduled, subject to talks with their organs, in spite of appeals from the Senate President.

“We don't have the powers to call off the strike action. For now, the strike action will commence, while we discuss with our organs,” Osifo said.

Prominent government figures attended the conference, including the Minister of Finance, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and the Minister of Budget and National Planning.

Aviation unions, meanwhile, have already declared their intent to participate in the walkout and the suspension of airport operations.