The organized labor unions, comprising the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), have declared a comprehensive nationwide strike, set to commence on Tuesday, November 14, 2023. This crucial decision emerged from an extraordinary National Executive Council meeting, held in Abuja on Tuesday, with details to be revealed in an upcoming press release.
The NLC and TUC had previously convened an extraordinary NEC meeting with the primary objective of assessing the strategies and preparations for the impending strike. This decision was prompted by the reported assault on Joe Ajaero, the National President of the NLC, and the review of the Memorandum of Understanding, signed between the Federal Government and the labor unions on October 2, 2023. The primary point of contention was the removal of the subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit, which the labor unions argued had inflicted severe hardships on the Nigerian populace.
Earlier, the labor unions had issued a five-day ultimatum following the arrest of NLC’s National President by the police in Owerri, Imo State, on Wednesday. They demanded the redeployment of the state’s commissioner of police and the apprehension and prosecution of the government aide allegedly involved in the assault. The unions had warned of a nationwide industrial action if their demands were not met within the stipulated five-day timeframe.
While the police contended that Ajaero’s detention was for his protection against potential mob attacks, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma accused him of meddling in the state’s political affairs. The attack on the labor leader has garnered widespread condemnation from prominent Nigerians and civil society organizations, including the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, and renowned human rights lawyer Mr. Femi Falana (SAN).