Life seems to be jerked into the minimum wage agitations as the government through the ministry of Labour and Employment is engaging and pleading with the labour force to sheath her swords for the sake of the Nation’s economy and international repute. The negotiation which is mid-wife by the minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige is full of optimism that the materials seculated from the previous meeting should furnish all the parties involved with the needed information to make more informed decisions. This was contained in a statement by the minister in Abuja before embarking on a technical session with leaders of the organized labour
“We are very sorry for starting the meeting behind schedule. Today was Federal Executive Council (FEC) and we needed to brief council on the progress made here and ask for their prayers so that we can continue. We are back here, documents were seculated yesterday and people have studied them and inputs have been made. We expect that when we talk today, we are talking from an informed position. Before we move into technical section, just to thank and appreciate labour for keeping faith with us. The drums of war, the sounds are getting less now so that Nigerians can relax and do their business and for investors also not to feel that their investments are threatened because of the presumed total strike. We are not getting to the final destination yet, but I do know that after today’s meeting we should be able to dot the ‘Ts and cross the Is’ and then sign our agreement. We must sign our agreement because its a CBA, so we must fully come with an agreement, but I have no doubt that my people from the government side are also ready and they appreciate you. So unbehalf of everybody, I welcome you and I wish the meeting a fruitful deliberation and conclusive outcome. Thank you very much. The press, we are going into technical section now. We will brief you in an hour time” the minister said
Now that both sides of the divides are near compromise, Nigerian workers are encouraged to keep hope alive as government remains committed to their plights.
Details of the negotiations will be communicated shortly