“Nigerian Govt Warns NLC: No Strike Over Fuel Subsidy”

The Nigerian government has issued a stern warning to the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) concerning their planned strike in response to the fuel subsidy removal by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

In a statement released on Wednesday by the Federal Ministry of Justice, the government emphasized that any industrial action taken by the union concerning the fuel subsidy removal would be considered contempt of court. The statement, signed by the Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Justice, Beatrice Jedy-Agba, stated, “It is, therefore, our minimum expectation that NLC will allow the courts to perform their constitutional roles rather than resorting to self-help and undermining the orders of the court.”

The statement serves as a reminder to the union of an order issued by the National Industrial Court in Abuja on June 5, which restrained the organized Labour, including the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and their affiliates, from engaging in any strike action.

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The Nigerian government further emphasizes the importance of adhering to legal processes and urges the NLC to find alternative means of addressing their concerns. With the removal of fuel subsidy being a contentious issue, the government aims to ensure stability and avoid disruptions in essential services and the economy.

As the situation unfolds, both parties will need to engage in constructive dialogue to find a resolution that addresses the interests of workers while considering the country’s economic challenges. It remains to be seen how the NLC will respond to the government’s warning and whether alternative approaches to address the fuel subsidy removal will be explored.