… Says PH refinery 80% completed
…. Restate readiness for social dialogue with labour
From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
The Federal Government has said that 3,140,819 households including vulnerable Pensioners have benefitted from the N25,000 monthly conditional cash transfer amounting to N68.3 Billion before the temporary suspension of the programme.
This was disclosed in a statement released on Wednesday evening by Mrs. Nkiruka Onyejeocha, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment.
Onyejeocha said that the Government had reviewed the agreements reached with the Organised Labour and that significant progress had been made in a number of areas.
Listing some of the agreements that have been implemented so far, the minister said: “ On the payment of the wage award of N3,000 for Six Months, Government has so far paid for four months up to 31st December, 2023.
“The remaining two months of January and
February, 2024 are being processed.
On the Minimum Wage Committee, Government has on 30th January, 2024, inaugurated a 37 Member Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage to review and come up with an acceptable and
Sustainable Minimum Wage for the Nigerian Workers. The Committee has so far held two meetings and discussions are on-going.
“With respect to the suspension of collection of Value Added Tax (VAT) on Diesel for Six Months beginning from October, 2023, this
was effected immediately. It is on record, that no one has been subjected to this form
of taxation since October, 2023.
“On the provision of CNG Buses and conversion Kits, the Government has so far made substantial financial commitments in this area. These buses will be rolled out very soon to alleviate the transportation challenges being faced by Nigerians.
“On the issue of various tax incentives as contained in the agreement, the Government has commenced a series of engagements with relevant stakeholders while all necessary machinery are being put in place for effective implementation.
“On the Leadership Crisis rocking NU RTW and RTEAN, Government waded into the matter and the issue has been amicably resolved. The Lagos State Government was mandated to address the matter and as we speak, the Executive Body of the Union has
been inaugurated and all contending issues r. are resolved.
“With respect to the outstanding Salaries and wages of Tertiary Education workers in Federal Owned Educational Institutions, Government has paid in full the four months outstanding salaries to ASUU as approved by Mr. President. Action is on-going with respect to other Unions as well.
“So far, 3,140,819 households including vulnerable Pensioners have benefitted from the N25,000 monthly conditional cash transfer amounting to N68.3 Billion before the temporary suspension of the programme.
“With respect to the issue of subsidized distribution of Fertilizers to Farmers across the Country, Government has made tremendous progress in this regard to ensure effective distribution to farmers to boost agricultural production.
“Government has constantly engaged various
State Governments and the Private Sector on the issue of the implementation of wage award for their workers and this has been receiving favourable compliance by State Governments. Government will continue to use all relevant channels to ensure sustainability of the programmes.
“In order to encourage Micro and Small Enterprises as contained in Mr. President’s Broadcast on 1st August, 2023 to the Nation, plans have reached an advanced stage to accelerate the process of job creation through the release of funds to Micro and Small Scale business.
“In order to ascertain the level of rehabilitation of the Refineries in the country, a joint visitation by Government and Organized Labour was successfully carried out today, 21st February, 2024 and it was established that the Port-Harcourt Refinery is 80% completed. Production of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) will commence before the end of the year.”
Onyejeocha assured that the Federal Government is committed to social dialogue with organised labour and other stakeholders towards achieving industrial peace and harmony, while prioritizing workers welfare.