ABUJA, September 29, 2023 – In a dramatic turn of events, labour leaders from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have boycotted an emergency meeting scheduled with the Federal Government today at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The meeting, which was initially set for noon, aimed to avert a nationwide strike planned by the organized labour set to begin on October 3, 2023. The strike is in protest of the removal of the petrol subsidy by President Bola Tinubu during his inauguration on May 29, 2023, which has led to a significant increase in the cost of living.
Despite the Federal Government’s pleas to continue negotiations, labour leaders opted to stay away, citing a lack of meaningful engagement on crucial issues. They had earlier directed their state chapters and affiliates to prepare for the shutdown of critical facilities, including airports, seaports, electricity grids, and fuel supply across the nation.
Observers noted that the emergency meeting was postponed until 3 PM to allow labour representatives to contact their leaders outside of Abuja. However, as of 4 PM, the meeting room remained empty.
Minister of Labour, Simon Lalong, and Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, were reportedly waiting for the labour representatives.
Amidst this standoff, the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers, and the Association of Nigerian Aviation Professionals have expressed their intent to join the nationwide strike.
The National Union of Banks, Insurance, and Financial Institutions’ Employees also advised financial institutions not to prevent their workers from participating in the strike.
Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) President, Dr. Anderson Ezeibe, confirmed their support for the strike, as ASUP is affiliated with the NLC.
Notably, human rights lawyer Femi Falana has advised the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, to urge the Federal Government to resume negotiations with the labour unions to maintain industrial harmony.
As the strike looms, citizens have been seen flocking to banks to withdraw cash for the weekend and the upcoming Independence Day public holiday on Monday, showing concern about potential disruptions to financial services during the strike.
While uncertainty surrounds the strike, many are hoping for a resolution that can address the concerns of the Nigerian workers and citizens, averting the impending nationwide strike.