NLC, TUC declare mass action to ‘shut down nation’ from Oct 3

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC ) have directed their members and affiliate bodies to start a mass action on October 3, as a protest against the state of the nation.

The labour unions announced the decision in a communique issued at the end of virtual meetings of their respective national executive councils.

The organisations said they have decided “in the spirit of the Independence Day celebration and to demonstrate our resolve for a truly independent Nigeria to take our destinies in our own hands and rescue our nation”.

“To embark on an indefinite and total shutdown of the nation beginning on zero hours Tuesday, the 3rd day of October 2023,” the communique reads

“To direct all workers in Nigeria to withdraw their services from their respective workplaces commencing from the 3rd of October.

” To direct all affiliates and state councils to immediately start mobilizing accordingly for action to organize street protests and rallies until the Government responds positively to our demands.”

Early this month, NLC embarked on a two-day warning strike over the impact of the removal of the petrol subsidy on the masses.

Workers in some states fully complied with the strike order as activities in government institutions were grounded.

The NLC had vowed to proceed on an indefinite strike after a 21-day ultimatum which expired on September 26.

The unions said following the expiration of the ultimatum, they found that the federal government has continued to forestall all avenues to peaceful dialogue with organised labour on ways to save Nigerians from huge hunger and suffering.

“The Federal Government has therefore not met in any substantial way, the demands of Nigerian workers and peoples as previously canvassed in our mutually agreed roadmap to salvaging the economy and protecting workers and Nigerians from the monumental hardship,” they said.