By Harry Awurumibe, State House, ABUJA
Apparently to familiarize themselves with the Federal Government and to discuss matters affecting the nation’s working force, the newly elected Executive Members of Trade Union Congress (TUC) today (Thursday) paid a courtesy visit to President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja.
The leadership who met with the President at State House, discussed various labour issues including the vexed Minimum Wage which has pitched the Federal Government against the workers cum Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
Speaking to State House Press Corps shortly after their discussions with the President, TUC president, Comrade Qadri Olaleye who appeared at press conference with TUC Executive Members confirmed that his organization paid a courtesy visit to President Buhari for some reasons.
” The purpose of our courtesy visit to Mr. President, number one is to introduce the new NEC members of TUC. You all aware that we had our election in June and there is need to meet with Mr, President to know the representatives of TUC. Also, we quickly use that opportunity to discuss some vital issues that have positive or negative effects on the economy “, Olaleye said.
The comrade revealed that the most important matter that the two parties discussed was the lingering issue of the national minimum wage for the workers, adding that ” you all are aware that we (labour leaders) are still in discussion with government representatives on the consequential effects, how it affects Grade levels 7 to 17″.
“So we have discussed with Mr, President to increase his mandate so that issue can be quickly resolved. Because we know that the economy can not afford to suffer a strike action for now. So we have encouraged Mr, President to increase his mandate and he has promised that with immediate effect action will be taken on that”, Olaleye hinted.
According to him, “other issues discussed are how (Nigeria) can benefit from the new African Continental Free Trade Agreement signed. We have also explained to Mr. President why we should be an exporting country instead of being a consuming economy where everybody will turn our country to a dump yard. Also we discussed how to improve the economy as to reduce the level of poverty in the country”.
