The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has confirmed the suspension of its nationwide strike following the intervention of President Bola Tinubu and the Senate.
They resolved during the National Executive Council meeting of the Congress held yesterday, August 2, 2023.
Facts Reporter Nigeria reported that the planned strike, which was spearheaded by the Nigeria, Labour Congress, Trade Union Congress (TUC), and their affiliated unions, was a response to what they termed the “anti-people” policies of President Tinubu’s administration.
The demonstration had started in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, and quickly spread to other states, gaining momentum and support from various sectors of society.
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On Wednesday, August 2, 2023, the situation escalated when protesters forcefully breached the first gate of the National Assembly (NASS) complex in Abuja, seeking to meet with lawmakers.
The tense atmosphere demanded urgent action, and it was in this context that President Tinubu and the Senate stepped in to engage with the Labour leaders.
According to Hakeem Ambali, the national treasurer of the NLC, the strike was suspended after a late-night meeting with President Tinubu and representatives from the Senate.
The NLC president, Joe Ajaero, stated that President Tinubu had made significant commitments during the meeting, leading to the decision to suspend the strike.
Background
Ajaero, reiterated yesterday that the ongoing protest would continue until the government provided a satisfactory response to their demands.
He emphasized that no government overture could halt their determined stance.
The Labour Unions had presented a set of demands, including the immediate reversal of alleged “anti-poor” policies, an increase in the minimum wage, and the release of withheld salaries for university lecturers and workers.
In an attempt to address the growing discontent, President Bola Tinubu addressed the nation through a broadcast on Tuesday, August 1, 2023.
He made commitments to review workers’ salaries, raise the minimum wage, and allocate funds for palliatives in various sectors, such as manufacturing and transportation.
Despite the president’s promises, Organised Labour expressed disappointment with the response, stating that the measures fell short of their expectations.
Key issues, like the resuscitation of public refineries, remained unaddressed, leading the Labour Unions to persist with the protest until their concerns were adequately met.