The federal government has appealed to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to suspend its proposed two-day nationwide warning strike over economic hardship.

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, made the call at a news conference on Monday in Abuja.

NLC had declared a two-day nationwide warning strike from September 5 and 6 unless the federal government addresses the excruciating suffering of the masses.

Mr Lalong said the appeal had become necessary to ensure robust communication with Nigerians, particularly the organised labour, to forestall a breakdown of industrial peace.

He noted that the planned industrial action would no doubt reverse some gains already made by the administration.

“In this context, it has become pertinent to appeal to the leadership of the NLC to suspend its intended two-day warning strike.

“As such action would be detrimental to the gains already being recorded on our course to securing a greater future for Nigerian workers and citizens at large,” said Mr Lalong.

The minister also urged the NLC leadership to give the government time to settle and address issues, as the president’s cabinet was recently sworn in.

Mr Lalong reassured Nigerian workers that the current administration would never take them for granted nor fail to appreciate their support and understanding.

He also said this administration would continue to pursue policies aimed at massive employment generation in all sectors of the economy.

Mr Lalong added that this would enable the government to look into immediate challenges from its policies, saying, “We cannot do this in an atmosphere devoid of industrial peace.”

He also said that as a Minister of Labour and Employment, he was yet to be served official communication of the NLC communiqué following its NEC meeting as required by law.

Therefore, he announced that the government would meet with the NLC by 3:00 p.m. on Monday.

(NAN)