The Federal Government says it will offer palliatives to workers to cushion the effect of the fuel increase.
The FG also agreed to set up an eight-man committee to review the suspended new electricity hike in the country.
These were contained in a communique jointly signed by labour leaders and the Federal Government representatives.
“To cushion the impacts of the downstream sector deregulation and tariffs adjustment in the power sector, the Federal Government will implement the following: A specific amount to be unveiled by the government in two weeks; time will be isolated from the Economic Sustainability Programme Intervention Fund and be accessed by Nigerian Workers with subsequent provision for 240,000 under the auspices of NLC and TUC for participation in agricultural ventures through the CBN and the Ministry of Agriculture. The timeline will be fixed at the next meeting,” the communique reads in part.
“Federal Government will facilitate the removal of tax on minimum wage as a way of cushioning the impacts of the policy on the lowest vulnerable.
“Federal Government will make available to organized labour 133 CNG/LPG driven mass transit buses immediately and provide to the major cities across the country on a scale-up basis, thereafter to all state and local governments before December 2021.
“Housing: 10 per cent be allocated to Nigerian workers under the ongoing Ministry of Housing and Finance initiative through the NLC and TUC.
“Consequently, the NLC and TUC agreed to suspend the planned industrial action,” the communiqué also read.
The FG said its Technical Committee will comprise of Ministries, Departments, Agencies, NLC and TUC, which will work for two weeks, effective “Monday, September 28 to examine the justification for the new policy, metering deployment, challenges and timeline for massive roll out”.
According to the communique, “The Technical Committee membership is as follows: Mr Festus Keyamo (SAN), Minister of State, Labour and Employment, Chairman; Mr Godwin Jedy-Agba, Minister of State Power, member; Prof. James Momoh, Chairman, National Electricity Regulatory Commission, member; Engr. Ahmad Rufai Zakari, SA to Mr. President on Infrastructure member/Secretary; Dr. OnohoOmhen Ebhohimhen, member (NLC); Comrade Joe Ajaero, member (NLC); Comrade Chris Okonkwo, member (TUC), and a representative of DISCOs, member.”
The committee, the communiqué also read, will: “Look at the different Electricity Distribution Company (DISCOs) and their different electricity tariff vis-à-vis NERC order and mandate. Examine and advise government on the issues that have hindered the deployment of the six million meters. Look into the NERC Act under review with a view to expanding its representation to include organized labour.
“The Technical sub-committee is to submit its report within two weeks. During the two weeks, the DISCOs shall suspend the application of the cost-reflective electricity tariff adjustments. The meeting also resolved that the following issues of concern to Labour should be treated as stand-alone items: The 40 per cent stake of government in the DISCO and the stake of workers to be reflected in the composition of the DISCOs Boards.
“An all-inclusive and independent review of the power sector operations as provided in the privatization MoU to be undertaken before the end of the year 2020, with Labour represented. That going forward, the moribund National Labour Advisory Council (NLAC), be inaugurated before the end of the year 2020 to institutionalize the process of tripartism and socio dialogue on socio-economic and major labour matters to forestall crisis.”
Recall that the organised labour had threatened to go on strike over the increase in prices of petrol and electricity tariff but called it off after meeting with the FG on Sunday night.
