The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has threatened to embark on a nationwide strike on August 14, 2023, if the Federal Government fails to withdraw a lawsuit filed against organized labor.
The NLC reached the decision during its National Executive Council meeting held in Abuja on Thursday, according to a statement signed by the National President, Joe Ajaero, and the National Secretary, Emanuel Ugboaja.
They accused the Ministry of Justice and the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) of allowing themselves to be used as “anti-democracy” agents.
While confirming the union’s suspension of its protest following a meeting with President Bola Tinubu on Thursday, the NLC warned it will go on a nationwide total strike any day labor leaders are summoned to Court by the government through the NICN.
The statement further noted some of the resolutions of the union, which include “To commit to maintaining the required vigilance needed to hold government accountable on its assurances and governance in general; to commit to the terminal date of August 19th, 2023 with Though it commended the national leadership and all the state officers for the effective coordination of the protest, the union urged all affiliates and state councils, including its civil society allies, to take further action but to remain focused and eternally vigilant. In which the issues around the Petroleum price hike will be agreed upon given the assurances of the President and the National Assembly
“To go on total strike across the country any day labor leaders are summoned to Court by the government through the NICN; to demand the immediate withdrawal of this litigious terrorism by the Federal Ministry of Justice before the end of work Friday, the 11th of August, 2023.
“To embark on a nationwide comprehensive strike beginning Monday, August 14, 2023, if this contemptuous Court summons is not withdrawn by whomever initiated it.”
