FG Calls NLC,TUC to Emergency Meeting to Avert Nationwide Strike

In a bid to avert the looming nationwide indefinite strike scheduled for Tuesday, October 3, 2023, the Federal Government of Nigeria has summoned the organized labour to an emergency meeting. The meeting is set to take place today, October 1, at 2 p.m. in the State House’s Chief of Staff Conference Room in Abuja.

The call for this crucial meeting follows the cancellation of a previously scheduled meeting on September 29 due to the absence of organized labour representatives. The strike was called for by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and its potential impact on the nation has raised concerns.

According to sources, the information about the emergency meeting was revealed in a memorandum issued by Emmanuel Igbinosun, the director of trade union services and industrial relations, acting on behalf of the Minister of Labour, Simon Lalong. This memorandum was addressed to the president of the Nigerian Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero.

In the memorandum, it was stated, “Further to my earlier correspondence on the above subject, I once again bring greetings from the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment. I am directed to invite the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) for a meeting with the Government on the above subject scheduled as follows; Date: Sunday, October 1st, 2023; Time: 2 p.m.; Venue: Aso Villa Conference Room of the office of the Chief of Staff to Mr. President. Please be assured as always of the kind regards of the Hon. Minister of Labour & Employment.”

Expected participants at the emergency meeting include the national leadership of both the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress. Representing the government will be Honorable Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to the President, Mr. Simon Lalong, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Honorable Nkiruka Onyejeocha, and various other government officials.