The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have decided to halt the nationwide indefinite strike initiated in response to the assault on NLC President Joe Ajaero in Imo State on November 1, 2023. A source from an emergency joint National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja last night revealed that the suspension aims to facilitate further negotiations on the underlying issues that led to the strike.
The decision to suspend the strike was attributed to the intervention of the federal government through the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu. The NSA, in a prior meeting at Aso Rock, personally apologized for the attack on Joe Ajaero and assured the labor leaders that suspects had been apprehended, with detailed investigations underway. The government expressed concerns about the strike’s impact on the economy and national security.
During the meeting, the leaders criticized the Minister of Labour and Employment for not preventing the strike, emphasizing that official communication had not been effectively conveyed. They argued that industrial matters should be resolved through dialogue rather than hasty injunctions. The leaders highlighted the importance of upholding their right to strike, citing international labor conventions.
After the meeting, the President of TUC, Festus Osifo, stated that they engaged in a comprehensive discussion with the NSA, who made promises and appeals for the strike to be called off. The labor leaders pledged to consult their respective organs before making a final decision.
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Mr. Simon Lalong, described the discussions as fruitful and ongoing. However, the NLC outlined six conditions that must be met before considering the suspension of the strike, including the arrest and prosecution of individuals involved in the attack on Joe Ajaero.
The NSA, Nuhu Ribadu, emphasized the arrest of suspects and ongoing investigations in connection with the assault. He urged the labor leaders to rescind the strike, assuring them that the investigation’s outcome would be made public.
Former NLC President, Senator Adams Oshiomole, criticized the nationwide strike, considering it misplaced and not in the national interest. He argued that labor should prioritize addressing hunger over personal interests and discouraged using a general strike for localized issues. Oshiomole stressed that strikes should be reserved for national concerns, and state councils should handle local matters.
