Reports say that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has made arrangements for a nationwide strike scheduled to begin on August 2, 2023.Despite a court order that prevented the congress from going on strike in June, it is understood that the NLC believes it cannot remain idle while Nigerians continue to suffer from the removal of subsidies, leading to significant hardships.The Tinubu administration reportedly took the organized Labour to court earlier in June to halt a nationwide strike following the initial removal of the subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (petrol).Although a committee was set up by the government to engage with organized Labour, officials from the Trade Union Congress and the NLC have stated that the committee failed to initiate meaningful dialogue with Labor.Hakeem Ambali, the national treasurer of the NLC, stated, “Yes, we have issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to conclude all negotiations with Labor or face industrial action by the Central Working Committee.”Earlier, an NLC official informed that the congress would meet and discuss the next steps forward.Failure of the government to meet the ultimatum would lead to a nationwide strike.The national president of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, has yet to release an official statement or respond to inquiries made by our correspondent regarding the matter.Another national official mentioned that further plans will be communicated to the public shortly.
Source: Punch
