Police Declares Labour Strike Illëgal, Urgës Law Abiding Citizens To Go About Normälly

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Amidst the formal commencement on Monday, June 3 2024, of a nationwide strike declared by the Organized Labour to press home its demand for a new and improved minimum wage, the Nigeria Police Authorities have called on the citizenry to go about their lawful and normal activities without fear of molestation.

They have insisted that the industrial action, as called by the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, and Trade Union Congress, TUC, is illegal.

The Source reports that the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi SAN had on Sunday,June 2, warned that the decision of the organized labour to proceed on an industrial action falls short of the provisions of  section 18 of the Trade Disputes Act .

According to him, the Act requires workers to give their employers 15 days notice before embarking on a strike action. He added that non compliance attracts penalties including a fine and or  a jail term of six months .

Fagbemi, further noted that the fundamental importance of the 15-day notice is highlighted by the fact that sections 41 and 42 (1)(b) of the Act criminalize non-compliance with the  provision.

Following the breakdown of talks between the organized labour and the Federal Government on what should be new new minimum, the Organized Labour directed workers across the country to withdraw their services effective Monday June 3, .

In a statement issued on  Monday June 3, by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on behalf of the Inspector General of Police IGP,  the Police assured that adequate security arrangements have been made for law abiding citizens to go about their lawful  activities.

Below is the full text of the police statement..

“The Nigeria Police Force, while acknowledging the recent announcement by organized labour regarding the intention to embark on a nationwide strike action and understanding the right of organized labour to engage in such actions to advocate for the interests of all workers, wishes to emphasize the importance of adherence to the existing laws governing such activities; and calls for caution to prevent a breakdown of law and order within the country.

“In light of the Federal Government’s recent declaration that the planned strike is illegal and premature, the Nigeria Police Force views this action as a potential catalyst for increased tension and political instability.

“The NPF hereby urges organized labour to proceed with the ongoing deliberations at the Tripartite Committee, which is focused on determining a new minimum wage, and shelve the planned strike as such decision is essential to prevent untold hardships on members of the public and maintain order and stability within our country.

“The Nigeria Police Force assures the public that ample deployments have been made across the country to ensure that citizens can go about their lawful duties without hindrance. Therefore, all members of the public are encouraged to remain calm and continue with their lawful daily activities, while organized labour is urged to act responsibly and in accordance with the law, prioritizing dialogue and legal avenues to resolving the existing grievances.”