BREAKING: SGF, George Akume, Summons Labour to Emergency Meeting Over Nationwide Strike
Abuja, Nigeria – June 3, 2024
In an urgent attempt to address the ongoing nationwide strike that has paralyzed economic activities across Nigeria, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, has summoned leaders of the organized labor unions to an emergency meeting.
The President of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), Comrade Festus Osifo, confirmed to our correspondent at Nation Newspaper that labor leaders, including representatives from both the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the TUC, are en route to the SGF’s office for the crucial discussions.
“The SGF has called for an emergency meeting to discuss the ongoing strike and explore ways to resolve the issues at hand. We are hopeful that this meeting will lead to a constructive outcome,” Osifo said.
The nationwide strike, initiated by the organized labor unions, is in response to the federal government’s failure to conclude the renegotiation of the minimum wage and the recent increase in electricity tariffs. The strike has led to widespread disruptions, including power outages, suspension of flight operations, and closures of key government and private sector operations.
As previously reported, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) confirmed that the national grid was intentionally disabled by the electricity workers union, resulting in a nationwide blackout. Furthermore, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and healthcare workers have joined the strike, adding to the chaos and affecting millions of Nigerians.
The labor leaders have made it clear that the continuation or suspension of the strike will depend on the outcomes of the emergency meeting with the SGF. “Our actions moving forward will be determined by the government’s response and the agreements reached during this meeting,” Osifo added.
This meeting is seen as a critical step towards finding a resolution to the industrial action that has crippled the country. The government’s ability to address the labor unions’ demands and negotiate a fair deal will be pivotal in restoring normalcy.
Stakeholders and the general public are anxiously awaiting the results of the emergency meeting, hoping for a swift resolution that will end the disruptions and restore economic stability.
Free Surge magazine will continue to provide updates from reliable sources as the situation unfolds.
