In an effort to maintain industrial harmony and prevent disruption of crucial government operations, the Federal Government has issued an earnest appeal to the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to reconsider its proposed two-day warning strike scheduled to commence on Tuesday.

The plea was extended on Monday by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, during a press briefing in the nation’s capital, Abuja. Minister Lalong cited concerns over potential setbacks to the progress achieved by the Federal Government as a primary rationale for the appeal. He pledged to comprehensively address the grievances raised by the NLC once afforded the opportunity to acclimatize to their new roles in office.

Lalong articulated, “It has become imperative to implore the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to suspend their impending two-day warning strike. Such an action could undermine the substantial strides we have taken toward securing a brighter future for Nigerian workers and the general populace.”

He continued, “Furthermore, I humbly request that the NLC leadership affords this government the time required to delve into and resolve these issues holistically. It should be noted that the current administration’s cabinet was recently sworn in by the President, and all ministers are actively engaged in receiving briefings from their respective Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).”

Minister Lalong assured, “Hence, the concerns raised by the NLC are matters that I, along with the Hon. Minister of State for Labour and Employment, are actively being briefed on. Over the next few weeks, our aim is to comprehensively address these concerns.”

He concluded with a commitment to the Nigerian workforce, saying, “I would like to take this opportunity to reassure Nigerian workers that this government deeply values their contributions and support. We remain steadfast in our pursuit of policies aimed at creating substantial employment opportunities across all sectors of the economy, and we are committed to promptly addressing challenges arising from our policies. However, this can only be achieved in an environment marked by industrial peace.”

Meanwhile, Minister Lalong acknowledged that the ministry had not received formal notification of the impending strike, as legally required by the NLC. Nevertheless, he announced that the ministry would hold a meeting with labor leaders at 3 p.m. on Monday, with the intention of preventing the planned strike action.