Affiliates of the Nigerian Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria in Lagos State have heeded the call for an indefinite nationwide strike, following the directive from the National Executive Council meeting of the unions held on November 13, 2023, in Abuja.
The decision to embark on the strike stems from the perceived failure of the Federal Government to address crucial worker-related issues, including the minimum wage, insecurity, corruption, and governance concerns.
The unions had also presented specific demands, which, according to them, remained unaddressed by the government, particularly in the aftermath of the crisis in Imo State that reportedly led to the brutalization of NLC President Mr. Joe Ajaero and other union members.
Despite a warning from the government on November 13, cautioning against the planned strike and citing a restraining order obtained from the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, the labour unions proceeded with their action.
Secretary-General of the Nigeria Union of Railway Workers, Mr. Segun Esan, confirmed the union’s active participation in the strike, leading to the halt of train services.
The nationwide strike reflects the unions’ determination to press for their demands and draw attention to the issues affecting workers across the country.
“In effect, therefore, all the workers of Nigerian Railway are duty-bound to join the nationwide strike action from zero-zero hour of Tuesday, 14th November, 2023 by staying back at home and away from their offices.
“All the offices, stations, workshops, and entire premises of the corporation remain locked and inaccessible from zero-zero hour of Tuesday, 14th November, 2023, till otherwise directed by the Congress,” Esan said.
Also, the President of the Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance, and Financial Institutions, Mr Oluwole Olusoji, said advice had been sent out to members on compliance.
He said that members had been advised to ensure the safeguard of lives and property from people who might be used to take undue advantage of the situation.
“We will continue to monitor the situation as it unfolds,” Olusoji said.