In a significant turn of events, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have decided to suspend their nationwide strike, originally scheduled for Wednesday.
The decision came after a crucial meeting between representatives of the Federal Government and the organized Labour at the Presidential Villa on Monday night to discuss the contentious issue of fuel subsidy removal.
The breakthrough in negotiations was made public by Femi Gbajabiamila, the Speaker of the House of Representatives and newly appointed Chief of Staff to the President.
Gbajabiamila took to his official Twitter account to announce the consensus reached with the Labour Leaders, leading to the suspension of the planned strike.
He further emphasized that both parties would continue to engage in constructive dialogue to ensure the implementation of the agreed-upon terms.
He wrote, “After due consultations with the Labour Leaders, a consensus leading to the suspension of the planned nationwide strike has been reached. The parties shall continue to dialogue on the implementation of the agreed terms.”
Earlier on Monday, the National Industrial Court intervened in the matter and issued a restraining order against the Organised Labour, preventing them from embarking on any form of strike.
Justice O.Y. Anuwe, presiding over the case, granted the order in response to an exparte application filed before the court.
The defendants, namely the TUC and the NLC, were prohibited from proceeding with the nationwide strike until the court had the opportunity to hear and rule on the pending motion of notice, dated June 5, 2023.
Furthermore, the judge mandated the immediate service of the originating processes, the motion on notice, and the court’s order to the defendants.
