Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, has absolved himself of responsibility for the ongoing industrial action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the three other unions in federal universities.

In a statement by the ministry’s Acting Head of Press and Public Relations, Patience Onuobia, in Abuja, Dr Ngige was quoted as boasting to have successfully resolved one thousand six hundred and eighty three industrial disputes since his assumption of office in twenty fifteen and has been taking extra measures beyond his statutory responsibilities to forestall strikes.

He also said the untiring efforts of his office towards peaceful industrial relations are being undermined by an erroneous impression by some Nigerians over his role as a conciliator, and by the uncooperative and anti-labour attitude of the ASUU leadership.

The minister insisted that the role of the Minister of Labour is to resolve disputes and does not include the implementation of agreements reached with parties.