NLC, TUC Declare Indefinite Strike Starting October 3

Leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) have jointly announced an indefinite nationwide strike set to commence on Tuesday, October 3, 2023. This decision came during a joint press briefing held in Abuja, the nation’s capital, earlier today.

The union leaders have also called upon their respective state chapters to mobilize for protests across the country in solidarity with their cause. This unified action follows a period of discord where only the NLC had embarked on a two-day warning strike, excluding the TUC.

The meeting leading to this significant decision took place virtually, as outlined in a notice signed by Emmanuel Ugboaja, the Secretary of the NLC. Meanwhile, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, has made an appeal to the NLC leadership to reconsider the strike action. He assured them that the Federal Government is committed to addressing the concerns raised by the unions.

Minister Lalong emphasized that one of the key demands made by the NLC during previous negotiations, regarding the release of the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Road Transport Workers, has already been met. In a statement issued by the ministry’s spokesperson, Olajide Oshundu, workers’ unions were urged to grant the government additional time to address remaining issues.

The strike action, set to commence on October 3, is a response to the enduring suffering and socioeconomic challenges faced by Nigerians, especially workers. These hardships have been exacerbated by the removal of the subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol.