In a last-minute effort to avert the nationwide strike planned by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) on October 3, 2023, the Federal Government has extended an invitation to organized labor for a meeting. The strike was declared to protest the alleged failure of the government to provide post-subsidy support for workers.
The Ministry of Labour, Employment, and Productivity reassured the public that it would engage with the union leadership before the economy faces shutdown.
The meeting, originally scheduled for Tuesday, will primarily revolve around President Bola Tinubu’s Independence Day speech on October 1, where he is expected to unveil worker-related palliatives.
The Ministry’s spokesperson, Olajide Oshundun, confirmed that the two main union demands have been presented to the government. The first demand, the release of Tajudeen Baruwa, the factional National President of the National Association of Road Transport Workers, from police custody, has already been met. Baruwa and others were detained for various charges.
The second major demand focuses on wage awards for workers to alleviate the hardships caused by the removal of petrol subsidies. The Ministry is actively working on this aspect to reach a resolution.
Ajaero, during a virtual meeting of the NLC National Executive Committee, justified the strike decision, citing the government’s failure to reverse anti-poor policies, notably the removal of fuel subsidies earlier in the year.
The strike will be carried out in collaboration with the TUC, which had initially refrained from participating in the NLC’s earlier strike in September but has since joined forces.
Ajaero also expressed concerns about government agents attempting to disrupt the unity of the labor movement, as well as rumors of compromises within the NLC leadership. He refuted claims of receiving money and vowed to investigate such allegations.
In preparation for the strike, Ajaero and Osifo, presidents of the NLC and TUC, respectively, emphasized their commitment to securing a more independent Nigeria.
Ajaero criticized the government for its perceived lack of willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue during previous ultimatums and strikes related to the subsidy removal policy.
