Abuja, Nov. 16, 2023: The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and their affiliates have suspended their indefinite strike that commenced on Nov. 14 and gave reasons for their latest action.
Emma Ugboaja, NLC General Secretary, confirmed the suspension to newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja.
Ugboaja said the decision to suspend the action was reached at an emergency virtual joint National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) .
Ugboaja said that NEC in session agreed to suspend the strike following a plea by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu.
“Organised Labour got a commitment from the Nuhu Ribadu-led meeting that those arrested for the physical assault on NLC President, Joe Ajaero, will be prosecuted,” he said.
It would be recalled that organised labour had, on Nov. 13, directed all affiliates to embark on an indefinite nationwide strike.
The strike was called especially over the alleged “non-action by the Federal Government over the brutalisation of NLC President, Joe Ajaero, by security agents and hoodlums in Imo”.
The NLC had declared a protest in Imo, led by Ajaero on Nov.1, over alleged anti-workers policies by the state government.
The labour gave reasons for suspending the strike as reported by Mr Emmanuel Ugboaja, General Secretary, NLC, in a statement he jointly signed with Mr Nuhu Toro, Secretary General of TUC,
“The NEC in session had a thorough review of the offers presented by the Federal Government through the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.
“We found the offers credible and decided to reconsider our action,” he said.
It would be recalled that the organised labour earlier met with the NSA and the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong.
“After the meeting, we directed all affiliates and State councils of both the NLC and TUC to demobilise, cease any further escalation of the indefinite strike action.
“We fully resume work tomorrow, Thursday, the 16th day of November, 2023,” he said.
He added that a resolution was reached to suspend the ongoing nationwide strike, which commenced on the 14th November, 2023.
According to Ugboaja, the suspension is intended to facilitate further discussions after the federal government had met crucial demands.
“We expect government to address the distressing abduction and brutalisation of the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, and others.
“These incidents occurred in the hands of the Police and Gov. Hope Uzodimma’s thugs in Owerri, in Imo, on the 1st day of November, 2023,” he recalled.
He noted that an apology was tendered on behalf of the government by the NSA, who promised to coordinate the investigation.
He added that some of the perpetrators had been arrested while others would be fished out and prosecuted.
Ugboaja said that high-powered investigation was currently being carried out and the leadership of labour centres would be briefed continuously as progress is being made.
He commended all affiliates and state councils for their unwavering commitment and tenacity that made the strike a success.
“Once again, we convey our appreciation for your cooperation, resilience and determination in ensuring the success of the indefinite nationwide strike.
“We encourage you to remain vigilant as we await the fulfilment of the remaining agreements,” he said.
