Tension as NLC, TUC Boycott Emergency Meeting with Tinubu’s Government

The organized labour comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress, (TUC) has boycotted an emergency meeting with the Federal Government scheduled for 3 pm at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The Federal Government led by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, had on Friday evening called an emergency meeting with the leaders of organized Labour at the Conference Room of the Office of the President’s Chief of Staff.

It was learnt that Friday’s meeting was designed to persuade the labour movement against implementing its planned nationwide strike from Tuesday, October 3, 2023.

Recall that on September 26, the NLC and the TUC announced plans to commence an indefinite strike on October 3 over the economic hardship occasioned by fuel subsidy removal by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government.

On Friday, the organized labour and affiliated bodies started mobilizing members in compliance with the proposed strike.

The Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers, and the Association of Nigerian Aviation Professionals have all announced plans to join the strike.

Also, the National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions’ Employees announced its intention to participate in the strike.

Similarly, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the National Union of Electricity Employees said they would join the indefinite strike announced on Thursday.

The implication is that the Nation’s economy will be shut down if the planned strike takes effect.

The development comes when Nigeria is battling with the crumbling Naira at the foreign exchange market, exchanging at N985/$ at the parallel market and soaring inflation of 25.80 per cent in August.