Organised labour has pulled out of further talks with the federal government over deregulation of the oil sector and increase in electricity tariff.
At the resumed meeting of both parties in Abuja, the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress, Nigeria’s two leading labour unions, challenged the authorities over another round of fuel price hike when the Festus Keyamo-led committee has yet to produce a report that will serve as a template for further discussions on the twin issues of fuel and electricity price hikes.
The President of the Trade Union Congress, Quadri Olaleye’s position was supported by the Deputy President of the NLC, Najeem Yasin, who stood in for NLC President, Ayuba Wabba.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha attributed the delay in the submisison of the reports of the sub committees to the EndSARS protests which rocked the country.
Organised Labour also took exception to the utterances of Labour and Employment Minister, Chris Ngige, whom it accused of not showing respect to the two bodies.
It insists its interest lies in discussing palliatives for the people, rather than another round of fuel price hike.