Rivers NLC, TUC threaten to disrupt economic activities over emergency rule

Organised labour in Rivers state has threatened to embark on “strategic union actions” that could disrupt national economic activities if President Bola Tinubu does not reverse the emergency rule imposed on the state.

In a joint statement signed by leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Rivers, the unions said the emergency rule has affected the payment of workers’ salaries.

The labour unions said local government workers who are yet to receive their salaries have been exposed to economic hardship.

The unions said the declaration of the emergency rule has put the state to a “very disadvantage position as potential investors who have indicated interest in ‘New Rivers Vision’ have all backed out of planned investments in the state”.

“While the Rivers state Organized labour supports maintaining law and order, it insists that actions such as declaration of state of emergency and suspending elected officials must align with the Nigerian Constitution and protect workers from avoidable wage invalidity, non-payment of salaries at all levels, safety and security threats,” the statement reads.

“Government must prioritize the safety and welfare of its citizens over political interests.

“The Rivers State Organized labour is appealing to the President, National Assembly, and Judiciary to urgently reverse the premature state of emergency and suspension of elected officials and return the state to normalcy.

“The federal government is strongly advised to engage in genuine dialogue to prevent further escalation of the issues in Rivers State. All workers are advised remain calm and continue their duties while awaiting a favorable response on the concerns raised.

“The Organized labour may be compelled to take strategic union actions which might disrupt  national economic activities if our demands are not met within a reasonable timeframe.”

The joint statement dated March 24, 2025, was signed by Alex Agwanwor, chairperson of the NLC in Rivers state, Ikechukwu Onyefuru, chairperson of Rivers TUC, and Chuku Emecheta, chairperson of the Joint Negotiation Council (JNC).