The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared a two-day warning strike scheduled to commence on September 5, 2023, as a prelude to a nationwide shutdown set to begin in 21 days. This decision was reached during the NLC’s National Executive Council meeting held on Friday.
In a joint communique signed by the NLC’s national president, Joe Ajaero, and Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, the NLC cited the failure of the government, under the Tinubu administration, to engage in meaningful dialogue with organized labor and stakeholders regarding efforts to mitigate the impact of the removal of the subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, on the “poor masses.”
The NLC had previously organized a one-day protest in August that brought major cities across the country to a standstill.
Among the reasons listed for the planned nationwide shutdown, the NLC raised concerns about the Nigeria Police’s siege on the national headquarters of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, alleged worker rights exploitation in Imo State, interference in trade union matters by the Abia State Government, and the proposed demolition of properties by the new Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, among other issues.
The resolutions taken by the NLC National Executive Council include:
Initiating a total and indefinite shutdown of the nation within 14 working days or 21 days from the announcement until the government addresses the suffering and impoverishment experienced across the country.
Commencing a two-day nationwide warning strike on September 5th and 6th, 2023, to signal readiness for the indefinite strike later in the month and to demand the vacation of the illegally occupied National Headquarters of the National Union of Road Transport Workers.
Organizing a mass protest and rally in Imo State within September 2023 to compel the state government to respect the rights and privileges of workers and trade unions.
Initiating a shutdown of operations of Airpeace Airline and other companies in the aviation sector involved in violating workers’ rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining.
Calling on communities nationwide to refrain from taking the law into their own hands and instead report matters involving members of the Amalgamated Union of Food Stuffs and Cattle Dealers of Nigeria for amicable resolution.
Demanding that the new Minister of the Federal Capital Territory refrain from threatening the poor masses with property demolitions and focus on providing housing for the people, with a warning that Nigerian workers and citizens will take to the streets if such actions are carried out.
The NLC’s planned actions underscore their commitment to addressing the concerns of workers and advocating for their rights and well-being.