The organised labour on Thursday insisted that there is no going back on its planned strike unless the federal government reverse the increase made on petrol price and electricity tariff.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) reiterated their position during a meeting with government representatives, which took place at the Old Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The NLC had given the federal government a two-week ultimatum to reverse the recent increase in electricity prices and the removal of fuel subsidy else it will embark on a nationwide strike.
This was after the meeting of its Central Working Committee (CWC).
The strike is expected to commence on Monday, September 28.
During Thursday’s meeting, the federal government was expected to unfold its palliative plans, but credible sources said its officials did not bring something tangible to the table that will assuage the pains of workers and by extension Nigerians.
One of the sources said the President Muhammadu Buhari administration found itself in a difficult situation over the contentious issues and therefore working hard to find a way forward.
“The fact is that it is practically impossible to reverse the increase in petrol price because that will amount to reintroducing subsidy and our lenders, the international community will not take it lightly,” he said.
It was gathered that there was a heated argument between representatives of the federal government and those of labour during the meeting that could be called “deadlocked”.
While the federal government said it would deploy measures that will cushion the hardships brought by her recent decisions, union officials said the old price must return.
Those at the meeting included the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha, the Minister of State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva, the Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, the Minister of Labour, Chris Ngige, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo, SAN, among others.
NLC President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba and TUC President, Comrade Quadri Olaleye led Nigerian workers for the negotiation.