The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is making preparations for a nationwide strike that is scheduled to commence on August 2, 2023. Although a court order that prevented the NLC from striking in June is still in effect, the congress expressed its concern about the hardships faced by Nigerians due to the removal of fuel subsidy and felt compelled to take action.
Earlier in June, during the Tinubu administration, organized labor, including the NLC, was taken to court to prevent a nationwide strike following the initial removal of the subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (petrol). Despite the government’s establishment of a committee to engage in discussions with organized labor, the Trade Union Congress and NLC officials claimed that the committee had failed to involve labor in meaningful dialogue.
Hakeem Ambali, the national treasurer of the NLC, confirmed that a seven-day ultimatum had been issued to the Federal Government, demanding that all negotiations with labor be concluded promptly. Failure to meet this ultimatum would result in the implementation of the nationwide strike, as decided by the Central Working Committee.
The NLC held a meeting on Tuesday to discuss the way forward, while the national president, Joe Ajaero, is yet to release an official statement or respond to inquiries regarding the matter. Another national official mentioned that the public would be informed of additional plans shortly, indicating the seriousness of their intent to address the issue of fuel subsidy removal. Details later……
