NLC, TUC suspend nationwide strike after meeting with FG

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have suspended the nationwide strike they embarked upon on Tuesday. 

The suspension of the strike came after leaders of the two unions met with representatives of the federal government in a meeting on Wednesday at the office of the national security adviser (NSA).

At the end of the meeting, the labour unions agreed to consult with their members on the next step concerning the nationwide strike.

The federal government was represented at the meeting by Simon Lalong, minister of labour and employment; Nkeiruka Onyeajeocha, minister of state for labour and employment; and Nuhu Ribadu, the NSA.

The unions were represented by Festus Usifo, president of TUC;  Emmanuel Ugboaja, general secretary of NLC and other labour leaders.

Speaking to journalists at the end of the sit-down, the TUC president said they had a robust discussion with the federal government’s team.

The labour leaders said they received a commitment from the Ribadu-led meeting that those arrested for the physical assault on Ajaero would be prosecuted.

The NLC has also released a statement on the suspension of the strike.

“The suspension is intended to facilitate further discussions after the federal government had met our crucial demands to address the distressing abduction and brutalization of the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Joe Ajaero and others,” the statement reads.

“An apology was tendered on behalf of the government by the NSA, who promised to coordinate the investigation. Some of the perpetrators have been arrested and we were given High assurances that all others will be fished out and prosecuted.

“Therefore, all affiliates and State councils of both the NLC and TUC are hereby directed to demobilize, cease any further escalation of the indefinite strike action , and fully resume work tomorrow, Thursday, the 16th of November, 2023.”

BACKGROUND

The nationwide strike was a protest against the alleged brutality of Joe Ajaero, president of NLC,  in Imo state.

Ajaero was reportedly picked up from the Imo council secretariat of the congress in Owerri by heavily armed police officers.

However, the Imo police command said Ajaero was not arrested but was taken into protective custody to avoid being lynched by a mob.

On November 5, the national industrial court in Owerri, the capital of Imo, issued an order restraining labour unions from embarking on a strike in the state.

Also, the federal government secured an order restraining the unions and their affiliates from embarking on the strike.

Despite the court orders, the labour unions stood their grounds and proceeded with the strike.

Nuhu Ribadu, the NSA, had begged the unions to call off the strike, adding that the attackers of Ajaero have been arrested.