Organised labour to embark on indefinite strike from October 3
The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have jointly announced their intention to embark on an indefinite nationwide strike starting from October 3. This move comes in response to the removal of oil subsidies, which has led to increased fuel prices and heightened economic hardships for the Nigerian population.
Festus Osifo, President of the TUC, and Joe Ajaero, President of the NLC, made this announcement during a joint National Executive Council meeting of the two labor unions in Abuja. The decision to strike was taken as a demonstration of their commitment to a truly independent Nigeria and a response to the prevailing economic challenges in the country.
As part of their resolutions, the NLC and TUC have called for a complete shutdown of the nation beginning on October 3. They have also directed all workers in Nigeria to withdraw their services from their respective workplaces, while urging their affiliates and state councils to mobilize for street protests and rallies until the government positively responds to their demands.
President Osifo emphasized that this strike is aimed at “rescuing our nation” and placing the people at the center of government policies and programs. He called on all patriotic Nigerians to join hands in this effort.
President Ajaero highlighted the widespread suffering, impoverishment, and hunger in the country due to the hike in fuel prices, and he stressed the urgent need for remedial action. He criticized the government for what he perceived as a lack of willingness to engage in peaceful dialogue with organized labor and its abandonment of the Nigerian people to poverty and affliction.
The planned strike is expected to have significant implications for various sectors of the Nigerian economy, and its success will largely depend on how the government responds to the labor unions’ demands in the coming days.
