The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have jointly declared a nationwide strike set to commence on Tuesday, November 14, 2023. This decision was reached following an extraordinary National Executive Council meeting held in Abuja on November 7.
The primary motivation behind the strike is the recent assault on NLC National President, Joe Ajaero, which occurred in Imo state on November 1. The labor unions have accused the Imo state government and the state police command of orchestrating the attack. Ajaero was in Imo state to lead a protest against the non-payment of workers by the Imo State Government.
Last week, Organised Labour issued a five-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding the replacement of the police commissioner and holding Governor Hope Uzodimma accountable for the attack on Ajaero. Governor Uzodinma has denied any involvement in the assault. The organized Labor also called for the arrest and prosecution of some of the governor's aides, threatening a nationwide industrial action if their demands were not met.
In response to these developments, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, redeployed the police commissioner, Barde, for "neutrality sake" in preparation for the November 11, 2023 governorship election in Imo State. The impending nationwide strike raises concerns about the potential impact on various sectors and the broader implications for labor relations in Nigeria.
