Fuel increase palliative: FG paid only N20bn, out of N500bn –NLC

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) said, yesterday that the Federal Government has only paid N20 billion, out of the N500 billion budgeted as fuel price increase palliative for workers.

Also, organised labour is expected to meet next week on its proposed N56, 000 new minimum wage. Last year, government promised the palliative after it agreed increase in the pump price of petrol, from N87 to N145 per litre.

Speaking recently on the state of the nation, NLC Deputy President, Peters Adeyemi reiterated the federal government has only released N20 billion for the palliative.
“Then, we kicked against the increase, but, some of our colleagues fell for government’s proposal of N500 billion social intervention fund, which they promised would come from the difference on the increase.

But, so far, only N20 billion has been released, no palliative”, he said. Labour is also seething that government has not set up a tripartite committee discuss the proposed new minimum wage.

However, the two labour centres, the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have vowed to team up to mount pressure on Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige from next week, to get discussions on the new minimum wage underway.

The Sun, January 3, 2017

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