24th September, 2023
Chapters and affiliate unions of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) are making preparations for a potential nationwide strike following the expiration of a 21-day ultimatum given to the Federal Government.
The ultimatum demanded that the government provide palliatives to alleviate the impact of the recent fuel subsidy removal.
The organised labour initially embarked on a two-day warning strike to emphasise their demands. Following the warning strike, the NLC issued a 21-day ultimatum for the government to address their concerns.
As the ultimatum ended on Friday, the NLC has scheduled an emergency meeting of its National Executive Council (NEC) for Tuesday at noon. The NEC’s next course of action will be decided during this virtual meeting.
A notice of the meeting dated September 22, 2023, seen by PUNCH, emphasised the importance of attendance by the Presidents, General Secretaries, and Treasurers of NLC affiliates.
State chapters of the NLC have expressed readiness to mobilise for full participation if the NEC declares a nationwide strike on Tuesday.
In a last-minute effort to avert a strike, sources indicate that the federal government may meet with labour leaders again this week, possibly on Monday.
According to the sources, the meeting is important as it may prevent an economic shutdown that Nigeria does not need at this time.
While the situation varies by state, most state chapters have conveyed their willingness to comply with any directives from the national NLC leadership regarding strike action.
The outcome of the NEC meeting scheduled for Tuesday will determine the course of action taken by the labor unions across Nigeria.