Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, has denied the allegation by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) accusing him of trying to scuttle the implementation of its agreement with the government over a dispute arising from the removal of fuel subsidy.
A statement signed by the Director Information, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Olajide Oshundun, described NLC’s allegation as unfounded.
“The ministry said attention of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment has been drawn to a press release issued by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on 18th October 2023, wherein it alleged that the Honourable Minister, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong is moving to undermine the critical Labour-Federal Government Agreement of October 2, 2023.
“We wish to unequivocally refute the allegation and put it on record that it is unfounded.
“Let it be reiterated that since assuming office and upon the dispute between the various groups within the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) being brought to his attention, the Honourable Minister has given consistent, adequate and fair attention to the matter with a view to resolving it,” it said.
The ministry said that several meetings have been held to resolve the NURTW issue with representatives of the disputing groups, and the efforts are still ongoing.
“Therefore, it is not correct to suggest that the minister is supporting any of the groups in the course of the negotiations.
“Members of the NURTW, the NLC, and the entire Labour movement should be assured that the minister, as Chief Conciliator, will continue to work with all parties to ensure that there is reconciliation, harmony and industrial peace.”
