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The Federal Government has urged the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) to abandon their planned nationwide indefinite strike scheduled to commence on October 3. The government cited that proceeding with the proposed strike would constitute a gross violation of an existing court injunction.

Additionally, the National Economic Council (NEC) has appealed to the labor unions to refrain from the indefinite strike and encouraged both the Federal Government and labor to continue negotiations at the state level.

The NLC had earlier insisted that the strike would proceed, while the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) directed its members, including Petroleum Tanker Drivers and others in the petroleum products distribution chain, to comply with the strike directive.

The government’s stance is based on the fact that issues related to fuel subsidy removal, which prompted the NLC and TUC to declare the strike, are currently before the National Industrial Court (NIC). The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, communicated this position through a letter to the legal team representing the labor unions, led by Mr. Femi Falana, SAN. The government urged Falana to persuade his clients to reconsider the planned strike, emphasizing that court orders should be respected and obeyed.

The letter also highlighted that a previous nationwide protest by the NLC led to contempt proceedings against labor leaders, which were discontinued following government and labor negotiations.

In conclusion, the government is calling for the suspension of the impending strike, arguing that it would violate a court injunction and hinder ongoing legal processes related to fuel subsidy removal and associated matters.

“As a result, we kindly request that you convey to the organized labor unions the following points: firstly, their proposed strike action constitutes a significant violation of the existing court order and underscores the importance of addressing their grievances and demands within the boundaries of the law.

Therefore, it is imperative for them to exhibit greater understanding of the court’s order and the consequences of its violation by postponing the strike action.

Taking this step would provide both parties with additional opportunities for constructive discussions, contributing to a comprehensive and enduring resolution of all outstanding issues related to this matter, serving the greater national interest.”

The letter was copied to various officials, including the Minister of Labour and Employment, the Chief of Staff to the President, the National Security Adviser, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Director-General of the State Security Services.

NEC appeals to Labour to suspend planned strike, urges patience

Yesterday, during the meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC) presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima, an appeal was made to Organized Labor to delay their planned indefinite nationwide strike set for October 3, 2023. The governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, conveyed this message to State House correspondents after the NEC meeting held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The NEC advised labor leaders to resume negotiations at the state level, emphasizing that continuing discussions would be the most beneficial option for the economy, particularly at the state level. The Council recognized the notice of an indefinite strike issued by the national leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress and the potential negative impact on the economy. Therefore, NEC urged its members to engage with their respective state leadership and appeal to them to postpone the strike while continuing dialogue with the federal government.

Governor Mutfwang explained that many states were emerging from prolonged industrial strikes when the various governors assumed office on May 29, which makes enforcing a new strike at this time detrimental to the economy. He appealed for more time for the government to address labor concerns and noted that there were indications that leadership at all levels genuinely wanted to address the issues raised by labor once and for all.

The governor stressed the importance of dialogue at the state level, considering the unique circumstances and demands of each state, and highlighted the critical situation facing the country. He expressed NEC’s genuine concern about the state of the nation and called for calm and patience, with an understanding that discussions at various levels are necessary to address labor’s concerns and move the country forward.

No agreement to suspend strike

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has refuted reports from the Ministry of Labour and Employment claiming that they had an agreement to suspend their planned strike. In a statement titled “We have no agreement with government to suspend strike,” issued by Benson Upah, the Head of Information and Public Affairs for NLC, the organization discredited the reports and clarified their stance.

NLC stated that they neither had any agreement with the government to suspend the planned strike nor had a scheduled meeting with the government that could lead to such a suspension. They emphasized that this matter goes beyond the Ministry of Labour and Employment, and it should have been apparent during their recent meeting.

Furthermore, NLC expressed appreciation for the role played by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, in securing the release of executives of the National Union of Road Transport Workers from unlawful police detention. They objected to the ministry’s description of these executives as factional leaders, asserting that they were lawfully elected into office. NLC called for an end to such actions and urged respect for democratic principles and the rule of law.

In summary, NLC refuted any agreement to suspend the strike, denied having a meeting scheduled for such purposes, and expressed their objections to the treatment of union executives by the police and authorities.

NUPENG directs tanker drivers, others to comply with strike

The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has issued a directive for its members to fully comply with the nationwide strike announced by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC). Specifically, NUPENG instructed members including the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD), Petrol Stations Workers (PSW), Liquefied Petroleum Gas Retailers (LPGAR), and all other workers in the petroleum products distribution chain to adhere to the strike starting from midnight on Tuesday, October 3, 2023.

In a statement titled “Mobilization for a nationwide industrial action,” NUPENG’s President, Prince Williams Akporeha, and General Secretary, Afolabi Olawale, expressed their concern about the insensitivity of the government to the socio-economic challenges faced by Nigerians due to harsh economic policies. They criticized the government’s disregard for organized labor and civil society organizations, stating that it appeared the government was taking the goodwill and tolerance of workers and Nigerians for granted.

NUPENG emphasized that the strike was a last resort to demand necessary socio-economic policies to alleviate the hardships faced by Nigerians. They acknowledged the significant impact a 24-hour industrial action could have on the nation’s businesses and socio-economic life.

The union directed its leaders in the four zonal councils to mobilize members in both the formal and informal sectors to participate in the strike, including shutting down services effectively from October 3, 2023. Compliance and monitoring teams were urged to be established in all operational locations to ensure full adherence to the directive.

In summary, NUPENG has called on its members to participate in the nationwide strike, citing the government’s insensitivity to the socio-economic challenges faced by Nigerians and the disrespect shown to organized labor. They emphasized the need for essential socio-economic policies to address these concerns.

CSOs, rights activists to enforce sit-at-home

The United Action Front of Civil Society, an organized platform of civil society groups and activists focused on governance and democracy in Nigeria, has officially endorsed the planned nationwide strike. In a statement released by the Head of the National Coordinating Centre, Olawale Okunniyi, the group criticized the current government’s ability to address the issues allegedly caused by the previous government of the same party.

The statement highlighted concerns about the arbitrary fuel price increase, which it claimed pushed many Nigerians below the poverty line. The group accused the government of insensitivity and a lack of comprehension regarding the country’s economic challenges, despite promises to raise workers’ wages and provide palliatives.

The United Action Front of Civil Society called on all Nigerians to support the strike led by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) against the government’s insensitivity and deceptive politics. They emphasized that the government’s policies, including arbitrary fuel price hikes, have further impoverished households and may worsen the situation.

The group criticized the government for increasing the number of ministers and standing committees, which adds to the costs of governance. They also expressed concerns about the exchange rate and its impact on inflation.

In conclusion, the United Action Front of Civil Society stated that the indefinite strike declared by NLC and TUC is necessary to prevent potential upheaval, insecurity, and violent protests due to the dire economic situation. They called on civil society leaders, activists, workers, and all well-meaning Nigerians to support the strike for the benefit of the masses.

Give dialogue a chance -Reps deputy spokesman

In response to the planned strike, Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, issued a plea to the leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) to reconsider the strike. He assured Nigerians that President Bola Tinubu’s decision to remove the fuel subsidy was in the best interest of the country and would yield positive results in the future.

Agbese explained that fuel subsidy had been a longstanding practice in Nigeria since the 1970s, with the government selling petrol to citizens at prices below the actual cost to mitigate the impact of rising global oil prices.

He commended President Tinubu for taking the courageous step to address the issue, emphasizing that the subsidy had become unsustainable. Agbese pointed out that the government was spending approximately N40.1 billion daily to subsidize each liter of petrol consumed in Nigeria, totaling about N1.24 trillion on fuel subsidies each month.

The lawmaker noted that the country was heavily in debt and needed to redirect funds previously spent on subsidies towards vital sectors such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure. He cited projections by the World Bank, indicating significant fiscal savings from the removal of subsidies, which would be invested in the nation’s development.

Agbese urged organized labor not to yield to agents of destabilization and emphasized the importance of addressing citizens’ welfare and providing palliatives. He appealed for patience, emphasizing that the government was working towards a brighter future for Nigeria.

In conclusion, Agbese encouraged dialogue and patience, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to building, not destroying, and its dedication to the well-being of all citizens.