The Nigerian Labor Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have been advised by the National Economic Council (CNE) to continue their dialogue to improve the well-being of their members. The Council has also requested that the unions postpone their plan for a nationwide indefinite strike scheduled to begin on October 3.

This announcement was made by Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State during a briefing for State House correspondents following the NEC meeting in Abuja on Thursday. He emphasized that the nation is currently going through a critical period in its history and that some state governors have resolved labor crises since taking office in May.

Therefore, it is unfair for workers to go on strike again. The governor further stated that the proposed industrial action would have a significant impact on both state and federal economies.

He said the NEC expressed genuine concern over the situation in the country and appealed for calm and patience among Nigerians.

“The National Economic Council (NEC) deliberated on the planned indefinite strike by the national leadership of the Nigerian Labor Congress (NLC) to proceed with an indefinite strike on October 3, 2023.

“The council further took note of the implications of the planned strike on the economy and the nation and therefore urged members to continue engaging with the leaders of their respective states.

“You are called upon to suspend the action and continue along the path of dialogue with the federal government. This is the call of the council.”

He said the council appreciated the concerns raised by the NLC for those issues to be addressed, adding that the NEC also asked for time to address workers’ concerns.

“We also believe that President Bola Tinubu will address the nation on October 1, and some of the workers’ concerns will be adequately addressed in the president’s address.

“Therefore, it is important to note that it is a matter of the federation, so no matter what, workers are represented in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

“And NEC is asking for the discussion to continue at the state level because there will be peculiarities in terms of the issues that will be addressed in relation to the workers’ demands and therefore dialogue is the way forward.”