The leadership of the Labour Party has thrown its support behind the planned strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), citing the insensitivity of the presidency to the struggles of Nigerian workers.
This announcement comes as organized labor prepares to halt activities nationwide from October 3, following the government’s failure to effectively implement policies aimed at alleviating the hardships faced by the public after the removal of the fuel subsidy.
After the expiration of the 21-day ultimatum issued by the NLC, the NLC National President, Joe Ajaero, expressed disappointment that none of the demands presented to the Federal Government had been addressed. The NLC and TUC have been demanding wage increases, the implementation of relief measures, tax exemptions, and allowances for public sector workers, as well as a review of the minimum wage.
In a statement titled ‘Workers Strike: Labour Party Stands with Nigerian Workers,’ the National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, Obiora Ifoh, lamented the patience and understanding exhibited by Nigerian workers. He urged supporters of the party to stock up on provisions and emphasized that the Labour Party’s leadership would support any legitimate means to advocate for improved welfare for Nigerian workers.
Ifoh remarked, “Over the past four months, we have closely followed various meetings between Organised Labour and government bodies, including the President of the Senate, the presidency, and the Ministers of Labour. We have also witnessed the efforts made by Labour leaders to make the government comprehend the extent of suffering that its policies have imposed on Nigerian workers since the inception of this administration.”
He continued, “We are not surprised by the government’s apparent indifference, insensitivity, intransigence, and uncooperative stance towards the genuine demands of the labor unions because their assumption of power was not endorsed by workers and the majority of Nigerians. Nigerians went to the polls with a clear mandate for the government they desired, but this was denied to them through institutional maneuvers.”
Ifoh highlighted the dire conditions faced by workers, many of whom are members of the Labour Party, who are forced to spend the entire workweek in their offices due to prevailing economic challenges. He concluded by urging all party members and supporters to stock their homes with essential supplies in preparation for an extended period of mass action until their objectives are achieved, emphasizing a commitment to not back down.
