In a recent interview on Arise TV, Lawal emphasized that the government's conduct during negotiations with the NLC appears to lack genuine compromise. He pointed out the incongruity of the government commissioning a 16 billion naira house for the Vice President or purchasing a yacht while simultaneously engaging in discussions with labor representatives. Such actions, according to Lawal, undermine the credibility of the government's negotiation stance.

He also criticized the behavior of legislators, noting that during these crucial negotiations, they are busy padding the budget and proposing billions of naira for the renovation of the national assembly. Lawal argued that these actions demonstrate a disconnect between the leadership class and the needs of ordinary Nigerians, particularly those represented by the NLC. Instead, their focus appears to be on self-serving projects and expenditures that do not align with the austerity measures often advocated for the general populace.

Hear him: "In NLC's negotiation with the government, the government doesn't seem to encourage compromise. When you are negotiating with Labour and at the same time you are commissioning a 16 billion naira house for the Vice President or you are buying yacht. Or when you are negotiating with Nigerian Labour Congress, the legislators are busy padding the budget, spending and proposing billions to renovate the national assembly. Obviously, the leadership class are not interested in a free and fair negotiation."