Partial compliance in Abuja as labour unions begin strike

The nationwide strike declared by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) recorded partial compliance in the federal capital territory (FCT).

The NLC and TUC had announced  a nationwide strike from midnight on November 14.

Festus Osifo, TUC president, while speaking with reporters on Monday, said the strike would remain until “government at all levels wake up to their responsibilities”.

The nationwide strike is a protest against the alleged brutality of Joe Ajaero, NLC president, 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, capital of Imo, issued a restraining order to labour unions on the proposed strike in the state.

Despite the court order, the labour unions stood their grounds.

However, there was little or no compliance with the strike in some parts of the FCT.

Workers were seen going about their normal activities at the federal secretariat, Abuja.

Also at the old secretariat in area one, workers were seen going in and out of the complex.

Some commercial banks in Area 3 and 8 were open for business as some customers were seen going in and out.