The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced a two-day warning strike, set to commence on Tuesday, September 5, in response to the Federal Government’s failure to address the challenges arising from the removal of fuel subsidy.
This decision is coming after a series of protests on August 2, 2023, where organized labor demonstrated against what they termed “anti-people” policies within President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
The Nigeria Labour Congress, along with the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and their affiliated unions, staged protests in multiple states, including Lagos, Abia, Plateau, Kaduna, Kano, Rivers, Zamfara, Katsina, Cross River, Ebonyi, Enugu, Kwara, Ogun, Imo, Ondo, and Edo, in addition to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
It’s worth noting that this strike action follows a seven-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government, which included demands for the immediate reversal of anti-poor policies such as the recent increase in Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) prices, higher public school fees, and the release of eight months’ worth of withheld salary for university lecturers and workers.
The union has also called for a substantial review of the minimum wage, proposing an increase from N30,000 to N200,000. They argue that since President Tinubu’s inauguration speech on May 29, 2023, which marked the removal of the subsidy, the well-being of Nigerians has been in jeopardy.
Despite several rounds of meetings between the Presidency and the labor unions to discuss palliative measures for Nigerians grappling with the aftermath of fuel subsidy removal, a resolution has not been reached.
This warning strike underscores the NLC’s determination to address these pressing issues and advocate for the interests of the Nigerian workforce.
