Face off: FG Warns NLC, TUC As Nigerians Countdown To August 2 Strike

The federal government has warned the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC against it proposed strike next week, saying do so will be in a violation of a court order.

The Tinubu administration has therefore urged the NLC to reconsider its position to avoid severe consequences.

The warning was issued on Wednesday by Mrs Beatrice Jedy-Agba, the Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice, who cited a June 5 order by the National Industrial Court, NIC, stopping the union from proceeding on strike due to the last month removal of fuel subsidy by the federal government.

Joe Ajaero, NLC President had on Tuesday issued a strike notice to its members across the country over the removal of petrol subsidy, and its consequential effects on the economy, including this week’s increase in school fees.

NLC said its member will proceed on strike on August 2, saying the recent austerity measures have taken away the peace of many Nigerians.

The NLC President spoke alongside the President of Trade Union Congress, Festus Usifo on Wednesday after a meeting with some federal government officials in Abuja. TUC has also issued a strike notice, except the federal government fulfil its promise of providing palliatives for Nigerians before the middle of next month.

The government has urged Labour to obey the NIC order restraining them from going on strike, noting that issues raised by the unions are already before the court.

Jedy-Agba cited SUIT NO: NICN/ABJ/158/2023 – FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OF NIGERIA & ANOR V. NIGERIAN LABOUR CONGRESS & ANOR which is currently pending before the National Industrial Court.
She said the union must desist from casting invective on the federal government and the judicial system, urging the NLC to allow reason to prevail in the interest of Nigerians.

According to the statement: “His Lordship, J Anuwe, had on June 5, 2023 granted an injunctive order restraining NLC and Trade Union Congress from embarking on the planned industrial action/or strike of any nature, pending the hearing and determination of the pending Motion on Notice.

“The motion on notice is also praying for an order of interlocutory injunction for parties to maintain status quo pending the determination of the dispute or issues submitted to the court and the said Motion on Notice is still pending.

“The NLC has submitted to the jurisdiction of the court and is being represented by the reputable law firm of Femi Falana, SAN.

“It is, therefore, our minimum expectation that NLC will allow the courts perform their constitutional roles rather than resorting to self-help and undermining the orders of the court”.

“Indeed, the avowed penchant of the leadership of the union for casting aspersions on the Judiciary is quite worrisome and concerning.

“Aside the above legal inhibition against any strike action of any nature, we also note that both the Federal and State Governments are engaging with stakeholders to cushion the collateral effect of the removal of fuel subsidy and increment in fuel price.

“It would be a great act of service to Nigerian workers and the nation’s economy for NLC to explore negotiations rather than embark on any strike action.

“We, therefore, urge NLC to allow good reason to prevail by adhering to the time-tested principles of lis pendis and rule of law to avert adverse consequences.”

Recall that on June 5, the NIC, sitting in Abuja restrained the NLC, and TUC, from embarking on strike in protestor removal of fuel subsidy.

On Wednesday, the Speaker of the House of Representatives,  Abbas Yusuf pleaded with Labour to give the federal government more time to adress its demands, saying the Tinubu  administration needs more time because it came to office  barely two months ago. 

Abass made the comment after meeting with President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa yesterday.