Following threats to embark on a nationwide strike over the new fuel price, the Federal Government plans to hold talks with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC). Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Babachir David Lawal might lead the government's team which will include some ministers, it was learnt last night.

The two Labour centres at the weekend gave a 72-day ultimatum to the federal government to reverse the new petrol price of N145 cap or face mass action including strike and lock outs. A top official said yesterday that although the ultimatum is illegal, the Presidency will still give room for dialogue. The source said: "The government is inviting the NLC and TUC leaders for dialogue on the new pump price.

"We will rather engage the labour unions than confronting them. Dialogue will allow them to appreciate why the government opted for the deregulation of the sector. "The position of the Federal Government is that the ultimatum by the labour unions is illegal because it is not a trade dispute.

"It is about pricing. Why can't they declare trade dispute when GSM operators came on board, charging as much as N30,000 per SIM card? "Is the telecoms sector not better now with deregulation? This government will certainly not inflict pains on the masses."

NLC President Ayuba Wabba said yesterday that Labour was not averse to dialogue. According to him, the NLC has received a text message from an official of the Federal Ministry of Labour, and it is ready to discuss as soon as a letter of invitation is sent.

He said: "When we receive a formal notice, we will be there. We are ready for discussion and we are not running away from any discussion. You know also that every issue must be addressed on the round table where we can put all the parties together and all the arguments. So, anytime we receive notice of meeting, we will make ourselves available.