The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) are set to commence a national industrial strike action in the next 14 days, and the Federal Government has been issued a notice to that effect.
The strike notice takes effect from February 9, 2024.
A statement from the unions explained that the strike action became necessary due to the government’s inability to implement the 16-point agreement between the two labour unions and the Federal Government on October 2, 2023.
“The October 2nd agreement was focused on addressing the massive suffering and the general harsh socioeconomic consequences of the ill-conceived and ill-executed IMF/World Bank-induced hike in the price of PMS and the devaluation of the naira. These dual policies have had, as we predicted, dire economic consequences for the masses and workers of Nigeria,” the statement read in part.
The notice also stated that the unions were “compelled” to down their tools following the government’s constant negligence of the plight of the masses.
“It is regrettable that we are compelled to resort to such measures, but the persistent neglect of the welfare of citizens and Nigerian workers and the massive hardship leave us with no choice.
“Constrained by this development and recognising the urgency of the situation and the imperative of ensuring the protection and defence of the rights and dignity of Nigerian workers and citizens, the NLC and TUC hereby issue a stern ultimatum to the Federal Government to honour their part of the understanding within 14 days from tomorrow, the 9th day of February 2024,” it read.