Ngige says FG will not restrict activities of organised labour

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, has assured organised labour in the country that the Federal Government will not restrict their activities but continue to engage them in dialogue.

The minister stated this in Abuja when a delegation of the Organisation of African Trade Union Unity (OATUU), paid him a courtesy visit.

According to a statement by the Director of Press in the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Mr. Samuel Olowookere, Ngige said government “does not believe in curbing the activities of the organised labour union.’’

According to the minister, Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution allows for freedom of association.

“It is the same law that gave birth to the formation of political parties that also empowered the formation of labour unions, hence President Muhammadu Buhari will never tamper with the activities of the unions.

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“The Federal Government is committed to working in synergy with the two active labour centres in Nigeria, who are also dynamic members of OATUU with many affiliate unions,’’ he said.

The minister called on OATUU to work out modalities on how to facilitate the review of its relationship with the Federal Government in terms of funding in view of the ongoing review of the list of international organisations and associations the country belong to.

“The Federal Government recently decided to review the list of international organisations and associations which the country will belong to.

“This is because of the fact that the payments of subvention and statutory contributions to such organisations have started taking toll on the federal treasury.’’

Speaking during the visit, Mr Valentine Udeh, the Deputy Secretary General of OATUU, who led the delegation, said they came to discuss the review of subvention to OATUU by the Federal Government.

 

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