FG sues for strike-free 2025, promises workers secured working environment
From Boniface Okoro, Umuahia
The Federal Government has appealed to organised labour to make 2025 a strike-free year.
Minister of Labour and Employment, Barr. Nkeiru Onyejeocha, who made the appeal in Umuahia on Thursday, January 9, 2025, during an interactive meeting with the leadership of various labour unions and interest groups in Abia State, also said that the federal government was committed to its promise of improving workers’ wefare, including reviewing the minimum wage after three years.
The Minister also held a separate meeting with traditional rulers where she assured them of a brighter future.
Addressing the leadership of the labour unions at the Britarch Event Centre, Umuahia, Mrs. Onyejeocha charged organized labour to choose dialogue above industrial strike when issues arise, saying that not embarking on strike would enhance productivity.
“We should have a strike-free year, where we will be able to work with the government in partnership, knowing that if we are in peace, we will be more productive. Any distraction would make us lose and reduce productivity. This year, we should aim to be more prosperous and productive,” she said.
The meeting was part of the Minister’s New Year outreach, where she reminded labour of its role in fostering stability and peace, both in the workplace and the nation.
“Let them (workers) be mindful that in this New Year, we are not supposed to entertain anything that will distract the government, no matter what. If there are things that are not going well, they should discuss them with us, and they should not forget about social dialogue. I remind them that the law is very clear on how to deal with labour issues,” she added.
The Minister commended Abia workers for the prevailing industrial peace in the state. “We in Abuja have never been invited to come and broker peace in Abia. You have done well by ensuring industrial harmony. Kudos to all of you,” she told the cheering workers.
She assured them that government would always strive to make their work places and the environment safe and secure and warned against anyone taking workers for granted.
According to the Minister, the federal government was committed to fulfilling all promise it has made to the workers.
“President Bola Tinubu is committed to the promise he has made to the Nigerian workers. We are not going to back on them. We are going to work to ensure that everything we have promised will come to pass, the reforms will be pushed through,” she assured.
On the minimum wage review, the minister said, “We are not going to allow minimum wage reviews to be delayed indefinitely as was the case in the past. In three years, which is less than two years from now, we will review the minimum wage again. It has been documented and is part of the government’s commitment.”
Regarding her closed-door meeting with traditional rulers at the JAAC Building in Ogurube Layout, Umuahia, Barr. Onyejeocha said: “We will relay back to the President what my people want, their wishes, desires, and expectations from the government.
“Traditional rulers are the custodians of the land and it is essential to maintain peace with them, while informing them of government initiatives. The President’s message to them is to maintain peace and order, knowing full well that he supports them through good governance to ensure their needs are met. If there are unmet expectations, they will soon see the fulfillment of the President’s promises,” she said
On the Federal Government’s programme LEAD, Barr. Onyejeocha explained: “LEAD is a programme designed to take youths off the streets, train them, and make them more effective in their work. It aims to ensure that more people are employed and empowered.
“The ministry is set to relaunch it and is awaiting the President’s official launch. The programme will reach every community, where youths will receive training. It will replicate what we see in countries like China and India, where skilled hands drive productivity and surplus food production.”
Earlier during the meeting with Organised Labour, a prominent Abia politician, Chief Emeka Atuma, explained that there were no political motives behind the visit, other than the Minister’s desire to be associated with labour unions in the state.
“Her coming is not political. She is interested in the development of Abia, as well as human capital development,” Atuma said.
Leaders of the various unions including Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) and Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), all expressed happiness with the Minister’s visit, hoping that the interaction would yield positive results.
