The Federal Government has called on the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to abandon their plan for a nationwide indefinite strike set to begin on October 3.
The government argues that this proposed industrial action would constitute a significant breach of an existing court injunction.
According to the government, the issues related to the removal of fuel subsidy, which prompted the NLC and TUC to announce the strike, are already under consideration by the National Industrial Court (NIC).
The government further explains that it withdrew a contempt proceeding initially initiated against the unions due to their willingness to engage in negotiations regarding the matter.
In a letter dated September 26, signed by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), addressed to the legal representative of the unions, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), the government urged the unions to reconsider their planned strike action.
The letter states: “The attention of the Ministry has been drawn to media reports on the proposed nationwide strike action by the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, and Trade Union Congress, TUC, scheduled to commence on 3rd October 2023.”
It goes on to remind the unions of previous correspondence and interactions regarding this matter, highlighting the need to refrain from actions that could undermine court orders.
It also mentions that the proposed strike action would violate a pending interim injunctive order granted on June 5, 2023, which restrains both the NLC and TUC from embarking on any industrial action pending further court proceedings.
The government’s letter concludes by emphasizing the importance of obeying and observing court orders, regardless of individual opinions, and urges the unions to act in accordance with the law.
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Chief of Staff to the President, National Security Adviser, Inspector-General of Police, and the Director-General of the State Security Services (DSS) were among the recipients of the letter.
It should be noted that the labor unions had announced their intent to initiate an indefinite nationwide strike action from October 3 due to the Federal Government’s perceived failure to address the economic hardships caused by the removal of the fuel subsidy.