The Federal Government and Organised Labour have reached an agreement aimed at reducing transportation fares and the prices of essential goods, particularly food items.

Recently, petrol prices surged at NNPC retail outlets, rising in Abuja from N897 to N1,030 per litre and in Lagos from N868 to N998. This marked the second price increase in a month, totaling a rise of approximately 14.8% or N133, which has led to increased transportation and food costs nationwide.

In response, both the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress called for an immediate reversal of these hikes. Following persistent demands from labour leaders, a closed-door meeting took place in Abuja, led by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume. Attendees included key government officials such as the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and various ministers.

Sources indicate that the government and organised labour agreed on strategies to lower transportation fares and food prices. They also committed to ongoing discussions to improve the previously strained relationship.

Key commitments from the government included the release of over 2,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion kits and 45 CNG buses to support public transport, which will help reduce costs for transporting food. Additionally, plans to meet with state governors to promote the use of CNG buses were announced, along with assurances of a meeting of the economic council to address the implementation of a new minimum wage.

Labour will also be integrated into the economic council to enhance participation in policymaking, moving towards a more collaborative approach.

Officials emphasized the importance of ongoing dialogue, expressing a commitment to honor past agreements and complete refinery projects to stabilize fuel prices.

After the meeting, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, highlighted the government’s renewed commitment to engage with organised labour proactively, rather than reactively to tensions.

The discussions were described as a work in progress, with the intention of fostering a cooperative atmosphere to benefit the country as a whole.