The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has leveled accusations against President Bola Tinubu’s administration, alleging a breach of the agreement reached with labor leaders in October 2023 for a monthly payment of N35,000 to workers.
This revelation comes despite the federal government and organized labor mutually endorsing the payment to mitigate the impact of fuel subsidy removal for a stipulated period of six months.
According to TUC President Festus Osifo, the promised six-month wage award was abruptly halted after a single payment of N35,000, even though the government possessed the financial means to fulfill the commitment.
Speaking on AriseTV, Osifo expressed disappointment, stating, “If you’ve signed an agreement and you’re finding it difficult to implement, what you do normally is for you to call the other party, and you sit down together. But we don’t even think that is the challenge, we don’t think that is the problem.”
Osifo highlighted the substantial increase in funds from the federation account, indicating that the government could afford to continue the payments. He emphasized that the government’s revenue had doubled compared to figures from April/May, showcasing financial capability despite economic challenges.
The TUC President also revealed that the government had not notarized the 10-point agenda presented by TUC, which had been mutually agreed upon. Osifo explained, “But even beyond that, there are some provisions in that agreement that we felt that government, they have not implemented to the latter.”
The 10-point agenda was formulated by TUC in response to the hardships faced by average Nigerians due to inflation, fuel subsidy removal, and other economic challenges. Osifo urged the government to address these issues sincerely, emphasizing the potential improvement in the lives of Nigerians if the agreed-upon frameworks were implemented.
In conclusion, Osifo called on the government to honor its commitments, urging them to adopt the 10-point agenda as a consent judgment and address the pressing issues affecting the Nigerian populace. The TUC remains steadfast in holding the government accountable for ensuring that every aspect of the agreement is faithfully implemented.