Damilola Oyedele
10 November 2009
Abuja — The Federal government is currently discussing with the national executive committee of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in a bid to pave a smooth path for the take-off of the planned deregulation policy in the oil industry, the labour leaderes have said.
Speaking with THISDAY on telephone last night, General Secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress, John Idah confirmed that a meeting between the FG and leaders of the labour movements would hold today at the NLC National Headquarters in Abuja.
Idah disclosed that the FG has been holding consultative talks with the NLC and has requested to address its NEC today and tomorrow.
He added that the NLC will maintain its opposition to the deregulation policy if the Government is only bent on removing oil subsidies without providing facilities that would facilitate proper deregulation.
President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) Peter Esele however said that he was not going to be part of the meeting, adding that he was not aware.
Also speaking to THISDAY on telephone, Esele confirmed that the meeting with the NLC was holding today.
"I have made my stance clear on the back page of THISDAY today, I am not aware of any meeting."
The Federal Government and labour movements in conjunction with civil society organisations have been at loggerheads over the planned deregulation policy.
Labour has insisted that deregulation should not be about removing oil subsidies only, but also about fixing old refineries and establishing new ones to encourage output.
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