…By for TDPel Media. The Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led federal government has responded to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), stating that the proposed nationwide strike in response to the recent increase in the price of petrol and the high cost of living is not permissible.
The NLC had issued a seven-day ultimatum for the government to reverse what they deemed as “anti-poor” and “insensitive” policies or face industrial action on August 7th.
Among these policies were the recent fuel price hike and a sudden rise in public school fees.
Court Order Restraining NLC from Strike:
In response to the NLC’s strike notice, B.E Jedy-Agba, the permanent secretary at the Ministry of Justice, referred to an order issued by the national industrial court.
The court had previously granted an injunctive order on June 5th, restraining both the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) from engaging in any form of strike related to the removal of petrol subsidy.
Given this legal restraint, the federal government urged the NLC to seek alternative means of negotiation rather than undermining the court’s orders.
Appeal for Respect of Court’s Authority:
The statement from the Ministry of Justice emphasized the importance of respecting the court’s jurisdiction.
The NLC had chosen to be represented by a reputable law firm during the legal proceedings, indicating their submission to the court’s authority.
The government expressed disappointment in the NLC’s consistent disregard for the court’s decisions and highlighted derogatory remarks made by the NLC president against the court in the past.
Efforts to Address Concerns:
Aside from the legal prohibition on any strike action, the federal and state governments are actively engaging with stakeholders to alleviate the impact of fuel subsidy removal and the consequent increase in fuel prices.
The government acknowledged the significance of addressing the concerns raised by the NLC and emphasized the need for negotiations as a means of finding a resolution that serves the best interests of Nigerian workers and the nation’s economy.
Conclusion:
The federal government’s rejection of the NLC’s proposed nationwide strike is grounded in the court’s injunction against any industrial action related to fuel subsidy removal.
The government called for the NLC to respect the court’s authority and explore negotiation channels to address their grievances effectively.
In the ongoing efforts to manage the economic challenges posed by fuel price hikes, the government remains committed to engaging with stakeholders for the greater benefit of the nation and its workforce.