By Sunmola Jemilat Oluwabunmi (SIWES student, AAPOLY)
The Labour movement in Nigeria, led by the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress, has initiated a nationwide strike set to begin on November 14, 2023.
This decision was reached during an extraordinary National Executive Council meeting held in Abuja on Tuesday.
The unions cited various grievances, including the treatment of their leaders, the removal of fuel subsidies, and the economic hardship faced by many Nigerians.
The recent arrest of the NLC president further fueled the unions’ resolve to call for the strike, escalating tensions between them and the government.
The labour centres have issued demands, including the redeployment of the state’s commissioner of police and the arrest and prosecution of a government aide allegedly involved in an attack.
If these demands are not met within five days from Friday, the unions have threatened to embark on a nationwide industrial action.
The arrest of Ajaero, the NLC president, ahead of a state-wide protest in Imo, has sparked controversy.
The police claim it was for protective custody, while the state governor accused Ajaero of political interference.
Many prominent Nigerians and civil society organizations, including the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, and human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), have condemned the attack on the labour leader.
The effectiveness of the strike and the government’s response remain uncertain.
