The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have jointly declared a nationwide strike scheduled to commence on October 3, 2023.
This decision follows what the labour unions have described as the government’s “failure” to effectively implement policies aimed at alleviating the hardships experienced by Nigerians due to the removal of the subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
During a virtual National Executive Council meeting held via Zoom, NLC’s national president, Joe Ajaero, disclosed that discussions had taken place with TUC officials to deliberate on their course of action. Ajaero emphasised the need for both labour centres to collaborate and convey their grievances to the government.
Sources within the meeting reported initial resistance from some NLC members regarding collaboration with the TUC. However, the prevailing sentiment among participants was that the government’s response thus far had been inadequate, leaving labour unions with no alternative but to take decisive action.
Among their demands, the NLC and TUC are calling for wage adjustments, the implementation of palliative measures, tax exemptions, and allowances for public sector workers, as well as a reconsideration of the minimum wage.
Earlier in June, President Bola Tinubu established the Presidential Steering Committee and several sub-committees to discuss the framework for palliatives. Despite the federal government’s commitment to restructuring the engagement framework with organised labour, the eight-week timeframe allocated for the process’s conclusion lapsed in August without any substantial progress.
Frustration has grown within the NLC and TUC leadership as the sub-committees failed to meet or fulfil their mandates weeks after the designated deadline. The impending nationwide strike represents a significant escalation of labour unrest in Nigeria, with potential far-reaching consequences.
Additional details on the situation will be provided as they emerge.
