The federal government has assured the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) of its commitment to sustained dialogue to address workers’ legitimate demands.

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, gave the assurance while declaring NASU’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting open in Abuja on Tuesday.

Mr Dingyadi said the government recognised NASU’s critical role in sustaining the smooth operation of educational institutions and remained committed to improving workers’ welfare through constructive engagement and collective bargaining.

“We are going to be transparent. We are going to be committed to the welfare of the workers, and we will ensure that we provide the best we can within the limits of international standards,” he said.

“My doors are always open. We will continue to work with you and other unions in the sector to address your legitimate demands through social dialogue and collective bargaining.”

He explained that he had participated directly in negotiations with labour unions and the signing of agreements designed to address workers’ concerns, adding that President Bola Tinubu remained committed to their yearnings and aspirations.

“I am not only involved in these negotiations; I am part and parcel of them. I was present when these agreements were signed, and we wanted to ensure that workers were satisfied with what we were providing,” he said.

Mr Dingyadi said the government was working to sustain industrial peace and harmony.

He acknowledged the economic challenges confronting workers and said the government had implemented the N70,000 national minimum wage while pursuing additional measures to improve their welfare and purchasing power.

The minister urged NASU to sustain dialogue, collective bargaining and tripartite engagement as effective mechanisms for resolving industrial disputes.

Earlier, NASU general secretary Peters Adeyemi thanked Mr Dingyadi for attending the meeting, describing the minister’s presence and willingness to listen to workers as examples of the fatherly leadership labour unions need.

Mr Adeyemi urged the minister to sustain engagement with labour unions, stressing that listening to workers was essential to understanding and addressing their concerns. 

(NAN)