The Nigerian Labour congress, NLC, has today revealed its intention to shut down the economy for two days as a warning strike following the unabated suffering the removal of the petroleum subsidy has inflicted on Nigerians without succour. According to the NLC, the warning strike will be observed on 5th and 6th of September, i.e Tuesday and Wednesday of Next week, all things being equal. NLC concluded the plan to embark on the industrial action after its National Executive Council, NEC, meeting it holds yesterday in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.
While briefing newsmen today, President of the NLC, Comrade, Joe Ajaero informed the pressmen of the NLC NEC resolution of last week saying, “NEC in session of NLC resolved to embark on a total and indefinite shutdown of the nation within 14 working days or 21 days from today until steps are taken by the government to address the excruciating mass suffering and the impoverishment experienced around the country.
“To commence a two-day warning strike on Tuesday and Wednesday, 5th and 6th September 2023 to demonstrate our readiness for the indefinite strike later in the month and to also demand that the state vacates the illegally occupied national headquarters of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW.”
The union also concluded to embark on mass protest and rally within Imo state within the month of September.
NLC also alleged a calculated onslaught against its officials by the government and its agents following their refusal to shift ground in demanding the revisiting of the subsidy removal by the Tinubu administration.
According to the NLC, the strike has become necessary as government has continued to ignore the labour union and other stakeholders in a social dialogue.
He explained that the government has failed to reach any agreement with the organised labour on any of the critical issues bothering Nigerians following the unholy removal of the fuel subsidy that has sent more Nigerians into poverty.
Ajaero said, “There is a renewed onslaught against trade unions and its leadership by the states and its agents across Nigeria.
“The Police, under the instruction of certain forces peddling the name of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, have illegally invaded and occupied the national headquarters of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, and headquarters seeking to install its own executive.”
