The Nigeria Labour Congress has threatened to embark on an indefinite strike over the fuel subsidy removal and subsequent hike in the pump price of petrol, News About Nigeria reports.
Recall that a few weeks ago, the National Industrial Court in Abuja issued a restraining order against organized labour, preventing them from proceeding with the planned strike over the hike in petrol price.
The court’s decision came in response to a lawsuit filed by the federal government, represented by the Attorney General Federation, against the Nigerian Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress.
Despite setting up a committee to talk with the labour representatives, the government failed to engage in meaningful dialogue with them.
However, on Tuesday, the Labour Congress said they cannot stay idle while Nigerians suffer due to the removal of subsidies, causing a lot of hardship.
They issued a seven-day ultimatum to the government to finish negotiations with them, or else they would take industrial action as decided by the Central Working Committee.
They said they will embark on an indefinite strike starting from Wednesday, August 2, 2023, if nothing is done.
The NLC’s national treasurer, Hakeem Ambali, said officials will meet to discuss their next steps, and if the government does not meet the deadline, a nationwide strike will occur.
The NLC’s national president, Joe Ajaero, has not released an official statement or responded to inquiries yet. An official mentioned that they will inform the public about their other plans soon.
