Several government ministries, departments, and agencies in Abuja have been closed in solidarity with the two-day nationwide strike declared by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). This move comes in response to the failure of the federal government, led by President Tinubu, to engage in dialogue and address concerns regarding the removal of the subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, which has disproportionately affected the poor.
As observed by findwhosabi correspondent, the Federal Secretariat and other key areas such as the radio house, which houses some agencies under the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, were deserted as workers opted to stay home in support of the strike.
Additionally, banks located in these areas were closed and not conducting any banking operations due to the strike declared by the NLC.
The NLC had previously staged a one-day protest in August, which disrupted activities in major cities across the country, to express their dissatisfaction with the removal of the fuel subsidy and other grievances.
Among the reasons cited by the NLC for the nationwide shutdown are the alleged police siege at the national headquarters of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, the exploitation of workers’ rights in Imo State, interference in trade union matters by the Abia State government, and the proposed demolition by the new Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, among others.
The strike is expected to continue for two days, during which the NLC intends to mobilize its members and demonstrate its resolve to address these concerns.