As the nationwide strike and protest by the Ayuba Wabba-led faction of the Nigeria Labour Congress against fuel price rise begins today, the Senate has directed its committee on Labour to immediately interface with the Government and labour unions to resolve the differences.
Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, who presided over plenary on Wednesday disclosed that the upper legislative chamber arrived at the decision after a one-hour closed-door session.
Specifically, Ekweremadu said the Senate was interested in ensuring that Nigerians do not face hardship resulting from the ongoing industrial action.
“We mandated the Committee on Labour under the chairmanship of Sen. Mohammed Nasif to continue to interface with both government and labour for an early resolution of all the matters,” he said.
BusinessDay reports that despite the industrial action, activities at the National Assembly were normal as staff, legislators, and legislative aides went about their lawful activities without picketing.
The Senate also considered five bills for First Reading. They include: the National Institute of Credit Administrators Bill, Chartered Institute of Finance and Control Bill, Insurance Act 2003 (Amendment) Bill, National Health Insurance Act 2003 (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill and Engineering Council Act 2004 (Amendment) Bill.