The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has chosen to boycott a critical meeting organized by the federal government, aimed at preventing their imminent two-day nationwide warning strike scheduled to kick off on Tuesday.
The meeting, convened by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, was originally slated for 3 p.m. on Monday. However, reports indicate that it didn’t commence until precisely 5:32 p.m., with only the leadership of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in attendance, led by its president, Festus Osifo.
The NLC, headed by its president, Joe Ajaero, had, just last Friday, issued a directive instructing workers across the nation to embark on a two-day warning strike starting from September 5. This decision was prompted by the growing hardships faced by Nigerians, including the recent increases in electricity tariffs, school fees at public institutions, and the prices of essential food items. Perhaps most critically, the removal of fuel subsidies has resulted in a continuous rise in fuel prices, further fueling the discontent that has led to this warning strike.
The NLC’s refusal to engage in the government-led meeting underscores the depth of their grievances and the urgency they place on addressing the issues affecting the Nigerian workforce and the general populace. As the nation braces for the impending strike, the spotlight remains on the government’s response and whether a resolution can be reached to avert the nationwide industrial action.
