Relief is coming for Nigerian workers.
The Federal Government has approved a N70,000 monthly transport allowance for all federal workers for six months, starting next month.
The major breakthrough was reached at a crucial conciliation meeting between the government and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Abuja on Tuesday, convened by the Ministry of Labour and Employment to douse tension over welfare.
ARREARS TO BE CLEARED IN INSTALMENTS
In a double relief, the meeting also resolved that payment of arrears of workers’ peculiar allowance will begin in November in three equal monthly instalments. The allowance takes effect from May 1.
For health workers who have been groaning over unpaid entitlements, the government agreed to redeem 19 months’ arrears over three months beginning in December.
The NLC, led by its President Joe Ajaero, had been demanding improved working conditions, reduction in petrol prices and tax relief for workers.
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MINIMUM WAGE TALKS, TAX RELIEF AND OTHER DEALS
On the contentious new national minimum wage, both parties agreed that the Minimum Wage Negotiation Committee will be constituted immediately and begin work. However, they disagreed on when the new wage should take effect.
On tax relief, the meeting resolved to refer the matter to the National Economic Council, noting that taxation is statutory.
For agricultural officers exposed to hazards, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture has submitted the list of beneficiaries and cost implications for hazard allowance to the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission. Verification will be concluded within two weeks.
Similarly, the Commission will update the cost implications for the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure within three weeks to enable the Presidential Committee on Salaries to take a decision.
STATES URGED TO KEY IN
The Federal Government said it respects labour’s right to demand better conditions and is responding through structured interventions.
The meeting, which had in attendance the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Muhammad Dingyadi, NLC President Joe Ajaero and the DG Budget Office, Tanimu Yakubu, urged state and local governments to key into the intervention.
Both parties agreed to reconvene after one month to assess implementation level.
