The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and its counterpart, the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), have jointly issued a nationwide strike notice to the Federal Government, giving a 14-day ultimatum over the government’s failure to implement agreements reached on October 2, 2023, following the removal of the subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol.
Leaders of the NLC and TUC expressed dismay over the government’s lack of action despite concerted efforts by organized labor to ensure industrial peace, while citizens across the country continue to endure widespread suffering and hardship.
The agreements reached on October 2 aimed to address the severe socioeconomic consequences of the abrupt increase in the price of PMS and the devaluation of the naira, both of which were influenced by policies from the IMF/World Bank. These policies have inflicted dire economic consequences on the masses and workers of Nigeria, as predicted by the unions.
In their statement issued on Thursday, the unions expressed regret over the necessity of resorting to such measures but emphasized that persistent neglect of citizens’ welfare and the widespread hardship left them with no alternative.
Effective February 9, the NLC and TUC demanded that the Federal Government honor its commitments within the stipulated 14-day period. Among the unfulfilled promises is the implementation of a N35,000 wage award for civil servants, which remains outstanding to date.
