Abuja, Nigeria – August 31, 2023 – In an extensive session, the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) convened on Thursday, the 31st day of August, 2023, to address the pressing issues plaguing the nation. The council’s discussions centered around the dire hardships and suffering experienced by citizens across all states of Nigeria and the federal government’s perceived neglect of their plight.
During the meeting, NEC examined the federal government’s failure to establish essential structures to alleviate the widespread suffering, contrasting this with the government’s commitment to engage in social dialogue, as previously pledged during President’s inaugural address on May 29, 2023. The council also expressed alarm over the escalating threats against trade unions and their leaders, emanating from various Governors and organizations.
Key points addressed by the NEC include:
Fuel Price Hike: The federal government’s refusal to engage in meaningful dialogue and reach agreements with organized labor concerning the repercussions of the recent petrol price increase, which has exacerbated the suffering of Nigerian workers and the masses.
Onslaught Against Trade Unions: A renewed onslaught against trade unions and their leadership by state authorities and agents across Nigeria.
Illegal Occupation of NURTW Headquarters: The illegal occupation of the National Headquarters of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) by the police under certain forces, impeding the union’s ability to serve its members nationwide.
Imo State: Ongoing efforts by the Imo state government to undermine the Congress in the state and exploit workers’ rights, despite efforts to resolve the issue amicably.
Abia State: The interference of the Abia State Government in trade union affairs, attempts to impose its own leadership on state councils, and the intimidation of workers and unions in the state.
Aviation Sector Violations: Violations of workers’ rights to join unions of their choice within certain aviation companies, including Airpeace Airline, in disregard of international conventions and Nigerian laws.
Security Concerns: The unchecked violence by marauders disguising as herdsmen against farmers and citizens nationwide, with the Amalgamated Union of Food Stuffs and Cattle Dealers of Nigeria (AUFCDN) disassociating itself from these activities.
Threats to Abuja Residents: Nyesom Wike, the new Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), threatening to demolish houses of residents despite the government’s failure to provide alternatives.
Nationwide Shutdown: A total and indefinite shutdown of the nation within 14 working days or 21 days from August 31, 2023, until the government takes concrete steps to alleviate mass suffering and impoverishment.
Warning Strike: Commencement of a 2-day nationwide warning strike on September 5th and 6th, 2023, to demonstrate readiness for the upcoming indefinite strike and to demand the vacation of the illegally occupied NURTW National Headquarters.
Protest in Imo State: A mass protest and rally in Imo State in September 2023, with preparations for a significant shutdown of the state to compel the government to respect workers’ rights and trade unions.
Shutdown of Aviation Sector: Initiating the shutdown of operations of Airpeace Airline and other aviation sector companies involved in violating workers’ rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining.
Community Cooperation: Calling on communities nationwide to report matters involving members of the AUFCDN to authorities for resolution, rather than taking the law into their own hands.
Ministerial Demands: Demanding that the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, refrain from threatening the demolition of properties belonging to Abuja’s working-class citizens and instead focus on providing affordable housing solutions.
The NEC’s resolutions reflect their determination to address the grievances of workers and citizens across Nigeria. Comrade Joe Ajaero, President of NLC, and Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja (Mni), General Secretary, jointly affirmed these decisions as necessary actions to address the nation’s pressing issues. The threat of a nationwide shutdown looms, putting pressure on the government to respond effectively to the people’s concerns
