The Nigeria Labour Congress‘ planned nationwide strike and mass protest, set to take place in less than 24 hours on Wednesday, faced opposition as the Coalition of Arewa Civil Society Organisations, representing 16 Northern-based groups, decided to back out of the move.
Their primary concern was the potential damage the ongoing strike action could inflict on the nation’s delicate economy and the added burden it could place on the populace.
Having given the Federal Government a seven-day ultimatum, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is poised to commence a nationwide strike on August 2, 2023.
In preparation, the NLC has instructed its affiliates and civil society groups across the federation’s 36 states to mobilize workers and citizens, ready for a prolonged strike should their demands remain unmet and not addressed.
In a statement signed by its National President, Joe Ajaero, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) expressed its dissatisfaction with the Tinubu-led government, claiming that it failed to fulfill the demands presented following fuel subsidy removal.
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‘But after a critical study of the disadvantages and overall consequences on the masses, we decided to pull out immediately and asked the labour unions and Federal Government to rather embrace dialogue on mitigating measures,’ the CSOs noted.
The Arewa Coalition, as indicated in a statement signed by Chairman Comrade Ibraheem Suleman Dogo and Secretary Comrade Friday Luka Dalung, made the decision to pull out from the strike because they deemed it unsuitable for resolving the issues arising from the current harsh economic conditions caused by the removal of fuel subsidy.
The statement continues: ‘We can’t afford to go back to the days when the Federal Government used monies meant for the development of public infrastructure; education, health care, and jobs for payment of subsidy to rich marketers.’
‘We can’t also continue to feed smugglers and act as ‘Father Christmas’ to neighbouring countries.’
‘It is for these reasons we recommend dialogue and more robust discussion on the matters arising from fuel subsidy removal.’
‘It would be recalled that President Tinubu, while addressing Nigerians on June 12 Democracy Day commemoration said he decided to free the country’s resources from the stranglehold of unpatriotic elements.’
‘We expect the labour unions and relevant stakeholders to look beyond the harsh policies now and consider the future of a sustainable economy that will bring about overall development across all spheres of life.’
‘However, between now and tomorrow, Wednesday, August 2, we urge the Federal Government to invite representatives of organised Labour to stop the nationwide strike called by the Nigeria Labour Congress.’
They further pointed out that the strike’s consequences would have serious consequences, with the potential to cripple the country by imposing severe restrictions on movement and forcing the closure of markets, schools, and healthcare facilities.