15-point agreement: FG hosts NLC, TUC. ( See Details)

In a last-minute effort to avoid the planned nationwide strike, organized labor in Nigeria, represented by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), reached a 15-point Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Federal Government. This agreement followed a second meeting between both parties within 24 hours. Recall that Tell Vibes early posted that NLC, TUC Suspend Indefinite Strike as Government Agrees to Address DemandsStrike. The key points of the MOU include:

1. Federal Government agreeing to a wage increase of N35,000 for Federal Government workers, effective from September, until a new national minimum wage is officially enacted.
2. Formation of a minimum wage committee within a month.
3. Suspension of Value Added Tax (VAT) on Diesel for six months starting in October 2023.
4. Allocation of N100 billion for high-capacity Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses for mass transit, along with plans for CNG conversion kits and stations.
5. Implementation of tax incentives for the private sector and the public.
6. Commitment to address leadership issues within the NURTW and RTEAN in accordance with labor laws and conventions.
7. Referral of outstanding salary and wage issues of tertiary education workers to the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
8. Payment of N25,000 per month for three months to 15 million households, including vulnerable pensioners, starting in October 2023.
9. Increased efforts in subsidized fertilizer distribution to farmers nationwide.
10. Encouragement of state governments, local governments, and the private sector to consider wage awards for their workers.
11. Commitment to fund Micro and Small Scale Enterprises (MSMEs) as previously announced by the President.
12. Joint inspection of refineries to assess their rehabilitation status.
13. Pledge to adhere to social dialogue principles in future engagements.
14. NLC and TUC agreeing to suspend the planned indefinite nationwide strike for 30 days, starting from October 3, 2023.
15. The MoU will be filed with the relevant court as a consent judgment by the Federal Government within one week.

    

These agreements are a result of discussions stemming from the withdrawal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and the subsequent increase in its price, which prompted the strike notice. The aim is to address various economic and labor-related concerns in Nigeria.