The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) of Nigeria had resolved to begin an indefinite nationwide strike starting on October 3, 2023.
Representatives of the Nigerian government are currently meeting with the executives of organised labour at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the nation’s capital, to avert the planned strike scheduled to begin during the week.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) of Nigeria had resolved to begin an indefinite nationwide strike starting on October 3, 2023.
This comes after a joint press briefing held by the leaders of the unions in Abuja last Tuesday.
The labour movement and the government had failed to reach an agreement on the best way to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal and the attendant hardship in the country on Nigerians.
Following last Tuesday’s separate virtual National Executive Council meetings, the unions resolved to commence the strike on October 3 and urged Nigerians to stock up on food supplies for at least one week.
The three-week ultimatum which was given by the NLC to the government had earlier expired.
The NLC President, Joe Ajaero and his TUC counterpart, Festus Osifo disclosed after their separate Emergency NEC meetings in Abuja on Tuesday that the Nigerian government had been insensitive to the plight of the citizens following the removal of fuel subsidy, which has pushed up the prices of food items, transport fare and other goods and services.
Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to the President; Minister of Labour and Employment, Mr Simon Lalong and the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Ms Nkiruka Onyejeocha, are reportedly in the meeting.
According to a report by The PUNCH, the Director of Trade Union Services and Industrial Relations, Emmanuel Igbinosun, in a memo issued on behalf of the Minister, and addressed to the President of the Nigerian Labour Congress, said, “Further to my earlier correspondence on the above subject, I once again bring greetings from the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment.
“I am directed to invite the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) for a meeting with the Government on the above subject scheduled as follows; Date:- Sunday, October 1st, 2023; Time:- 2 pm; Venue:- Aso Villa Conference Room of the office of the Chief of Staff to Mr President.”