FG, NLC agree to shift gound

The Federal Government and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) rose from the lengthy closed door meeting held on Thursday evening with both parties agreeing to shift grounds on their stands.

However the strike continues until the dialogue table is reopened on Saturday when a decision is expected to taken on the matter of the removal of the subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol.

Emerging from the meeting, the NLC Chairman Abdul-Waheed Omar told journalists at the Presidential Villa that both parties had very fruitful deliberations though they could not reach a common round.

"The outcome is that we have not concluded discussions yet, but we have had fruitful discussion and we are to continue on Saturday. It is not conclusive yet," Omar said.

Asked if government and labour were ready to shift ground, he said: "Yes that was part of the discussions. Of course all of us are trying to shift grounds that is why I told you that we have had fruitful discussions."

On whether the strike will be called off immediately, he said: "Unless and until we get a conclusive conclusion from the discussion then that means we will maintain status quo."

The Trade Union Congress (TUC) President, Peter Esele also said the labour union would go back to the National Executive Council of Unions to discuss extensively before taking any definite stand.

"Strike continues tomorrow but we have to return to those that sent us," he said.

Senate President, David Mark who mediated between the two parties told journalists that both groups were on the right track.

"My responsibility was to get government and labour to talk and we are on the right track. The light at the end of the tunnel is even much brighter now," Mark said.

"The meeting is very fruitful. Everybody shifted grounds to the level that we will take a decision that will be in the best interest of Nigerians. That will be any moment from now."

Asked if Nigerians should expect a cut in price, he said: "Nigerians should expect best decision."

Those Present at the meeting include the governors of Lagos, Rivers, Cross River, Edo,Anambra , and Benue; the ministers of Finance,Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim.

On the side of Labour, those who attended include; Nigeria Labour Congress(NLC) Bright Okogwu, Owei Lakemfa, David Mark, Deputy Senate President and Ndoma Egba NLC, TUC and Civil Society leaders.