Late Wednesday night, the national executive councils of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) made a decision to suspend their nationwide strike. The strike was initiated due to an alleged assault on NLC President Joe Ajaero. This suspension was a result of intervention by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
However, amidst this suspension, criticism emerged from the organized Private Sector (OPS) and maritime operators, deeming the strike untimely and misjudged. They emphasized concerns about its potential impact on the government’s annual revenue targets.
The decision to suspend the strike emerged from a meeting that commenced after 7 pm, lasting close to an hour. Tommy Etim, National Deputy President of the TUC, clarified that the suspension was temporary. He emphasized their trust in Ribadu’s assurances and pledged to reconvene if the demands weren’t met within the stipulated time.
The strike was initially triggered by an incident where Ajaero, protesting unpaid salaries in Imo State, was allegedly assaulted and detained. Despite the Federal Government securing a restraining order against the strike at the National Industrial Court, labour mobilized for the action, commencing on Tuesday.
During a meeting with the NSA on the second day of the strike, updates regarding the arrest of two suspects involved in the attack were revealed. The NSA conveyed apologies to the organized labour over the assault on the NLC president and urged the unions to reconsider the strike.
Simultaneously, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, expressed optimism about resolving the industrial action. The OPS criticized the strike’s economic consequences, expressing concerns about its timing amidst ongoing efforts to stabilize the national currency.
The NLC outlined six conditions that needed fulfillment before considering an indefinite halt to the strike. These conditions included the arrest and prosecution of those involved in the assault on the NLC president and the dismissal of police officers and thugs implicated in the attack.
Amidst the strike’s impact on various sectors, including maritime operations and businesses, stakeholders and economic analysts highlighted the adverse effects on productivity and revenue targets, calling for a more strategic approach to resolving the situation. Offices in several states remained shut, observing the strike, while private schools continued academic activities.
The suspension of the strike remains temporary, contingent on the government meeting the outlined conditions within a stipulated timeframe.
