The National Industrial Court in Abuja has issued a restraining order against the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress, and their affiliates, preventing them from initiating any strike or industrial action.
This decision comes in response to the unions’ declaration of a nationwide strike starting November 14, 2023, following an alleged assault on NLC President Joe Ajaero in Imo State.
The Federal Government, along with the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, filed an ex-parte application urging the court to halt the unions’ planned strike.
They argued that such action would impose undue hardship on law-abiding citizens and businesses.
During the proceedings, counsel Tijani Gazali SAN highlighted the impact on citizens when the unions blocked entrances to major airports during a demonstration on Thursday.
Gazali pleaded with the court, emphasizing that allowing the planned strike to proceed might lead to a breach of peace and tranquility in the country.
In his ruling, President of the Court, Justice Benedict Kanyip, cited sections 17 and 19 of the National Industrial Court Act, asserting the court’s authority to intervene with a restraining order to ensure peace and tranquility.
Justice Kanyip directed that the restraining order be affixed to the wall of the Labour House, the last known address of the defendants, to alert them to the court’s position.
Additionally, he ordered the publication of the order, along with the originating and other processes, in two major national dailies to ensure widespread awareness of the court’s decision.
