The Federal Government has extended another invitation to the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) leadership for a meeting today, in response to their threats of a strike in protest against the removal of the fuel subsidy.

This development was disclosed by Olajide Oshundun, the Director of Information at the Ministry of Labour and Employment, through a statement issued yesterday.

The statement conveyed that Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Bako Lalong, has once again summoned the leadership of the NLC to meet on Monday, September 18, 2023.

Minister Lalong emphasized the need for the labor unions to engage in discussions with the government to resolve pending issues and prevent further disruptions to the economy.

He reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Tinubu's administration to engage with organized labor, respond to their concerns through consultation and negotiation, and ensure industrial harmony—a crucial aspect of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

This invitation comes after the NLC concluded a two-day warning strike and declined a previous meeting with the Federal Government. The strike was initiated to protest the growing hardship and suffering resulting from the removal of the fuel subsidy.

The NLC had initially given notice of a two-day warning strike, with a subsequent threat of a complete and indefinite shutdown of the economy within 14 or 21 working days if the government did not address the prevailing hardships across the nation.