The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have jointly issued a 14-day strike notice to the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government, citing grievances over the non-implementation of a 16-point agreement signed in October 2023. This agreement aimed to mitigate the “massive suffering” caused by the surge in petrol prices and naira devaluation, policies widely attributed to exacerbating economic hardships.
Expressing dismay at the government’s disregard for the plight of citizens despite concerted efforts for industrial peace, the unions lamented the widespread suffering across the nation. The October 2 agreement was crafted to alleviate the adverse socio-economic impacts of the IMF/World Bank-induced petrol price hike and naira devaluation, which have disproportionately burdened Nigerian workers and the populace at large.
The unions emphasized their reluctance to resort to such drastic measures but emphasized the dire circumstances necessitated action. Therefore, they issued a firm ultimatum to the Federal Government to fulfill its obligations within 14 days, starting from Friday, February 9, 2024. The NLC and TUC underscored the urgency of addressing the welfare concerns of citizens and workers, reiterating their commitment to safeguarding their rights and dignity.
This development underscores the escalating tensions between the government and labor unions amid mounting economic challenges in Nigeria.
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