NLC, TUC suspend workers’ nationwide strike after NSA’s intervention

• Some of the perpetrators of assault on Ajaero have been arrested

• To give room for negotiations

The Joint National Executive Council of the two leading labour unions which declared the strike – the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) suspended the strike on Wednesday.

The suspension came a few hours after the labour leaders listed six demands and subsequently met with the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.

The meeting was held at the instance of Mr Ribadu, who earlier in a statement on Wednesday appealed to the labour unions to call off the strike to give room for negotiations.

The NLC, TUC and their affiliates had declared the strike following the attack on the NLC president, Joe Ajaero, in Owerri, Imo State, on 1 November.

The unions accused the Imo State government and the police in the state of sponsoring thugs to brutalise Ajaero.

The NLC president was attacked and brutalised while preparing to lead a protest against the Imo State government over alleged non-payment of civil servants’ salaries for months and inhumane treatment meted to some government workers in the state who were tagged as ghost workers.

The labour unions in its list demanded that justice be done with respect to Ajaero’s attack for the strike to be called off. Among their six requests were demands for investigation, prosecution and dismissal of government and police officials involved in the attack on Mr Ajaero.

Speaking with journalists after the meeting with the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu on Wednesday, TUC president, Festus Osifo, said the federal government, through Mr Ribadu, had given assurance to meet their demands.

Accordingly, the labour unions in a joint statement on Wednesday signed by the NLC, General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, and the TUC, General Secretary, Nuhu Toro, said: “This suspension is intended to facilitate further discussions after the federal government had met our crucial demands to address the distressing abduction and brutalization of the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Joe Ajaero, and others.

“These incidents occurred at the hands of the Police and Governor Hope Uzodimma’s thugs in Owerri, Imo State, on the 1st day of November 2023.”

The unions hinted that an apology was tendered on behalf of the government by the NSA, who promised to coordinate the investigation.

“Some of the perpetrators have been arrested, and we were given high assurances that all others will be fished out and prosecuted.

“High-powered investigation is currently being carried out and the leadership of the labour centres will be briefed continuously as progress is being made.

“We extend our commendation and salute to all affiliates and state councils for their unwavering commitment and tenacity, which contributed to the success of the nationwide strike.

“Therefore, all affiliates and State councils of both the NLC and TUC are hereby directed to demobilize, cease any further escalation of the indefinite strike action, and fully resume work tomorrow, Thursday, the 16th day of November 2023,” the unions said.