The Nigerian government has informed the Nigeria Labour Congress that their planned nationwide strike against the petrol price hike and high cost of living is illegal and not permitted by law. According to the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Justice, B.E Jedy-Agba, the national industrial court has issued an order preventing the NLC from going on strike regarding the removal of petrol subsidy. This order was granted on June 5, and it restrains both the NLC and the Trade Union Congress from any strike action until a pending motion is heard and decided upon.
The government encourages the union to seek alternative avenues for negotiations with them rather than resorting to self-help and disregarding the court’s orders. The statement highlights that the issues that triggered the court action are the same ones for which the NLC has issued another strike notice. The NLC is reminded that they are represented in court by the reputable law firm of Femi Falana, SAN, and it is expected that they respect the authority of the court.
Additionally, the government points out that efforts are already being made by both federal and state governments to address the impact of the fuel subsidy removal and fuel price increase through engagement with stakeholders. Therefore, it is suggested that the NLC consider negotiations as a means to address their concerns rather than opting for a strike action, which could have adverse effects on Nigerian workers and the nation’s economy.
The statement added, “It is noted that the issues (removal of fuel subsidy, hike in prices of petrol and consequential increase in the cost of living, etc.) which precipitated the above court action are the very same issues over which NLC has now issued another strike notice”
“The NLC has submitted to the jurisdiction of the court and is being represented by the reputable law firm of Femi Falana, SAN. It is therefore our minimum expectation that the NLC will allow the courts to perform their constitutional roles rather than resorting to self-help and undermining the orders of the court.
“We note with dismay that this latest strike notice is consistent with the inexplicable disdain which the NLC leadership has visited on the authority of the court in recent times following earlier inciting and derogatory remarks made by the NLC president against the court.
“Aside from the above legal inhibition against any strike action of any nature, we also note that both the federal and state governments are engaging with stakeholders to cushion the collateral effect of the removal of fuel subsidy and increment in fuel price.
“It would be a great act of service to Nigerian workers and the nation’s economy for NLC to explore negotiations rather than embark on any strike action.”
