Labour Minister, Lalong clears air on scuttling NLC’s agreements with FG

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.

“We wish to unequivocally refute the allegation and put it on record that it is unfounded,” the statement said.

The statement added that the Minister, since his assumption of office, has given consistent, adequate and fair attention to various disputes brought to his attention with a view to resolving them.

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.

According to the ministry, it was incorrect to suggest that Lalong was backing 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,” the ministry said.