The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) have suspended their ongoing nationwide strike. The strike, which began on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, was called off on Wednesday, November 15. The decision came after the federal government’s intervention through the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA).
The strike was initially called in response to the alleged brutalization of NLC President, Joe Ajaero, and the government’s failure to implement some of its agreements. However, the suspension of the strike followed the arrest of two suspects in connection with Ajaero’s attack.
The NLC and TUC leadership have expressed their trust in the NSA, Nuhu Ribadu, who promised to coordinate the investigations. The unions have decided to give him time to fulfill his promises. The national deputy vice-president of the TUC, Tommy Etim, confirmed the development.
Despite the suspension of the strike, the NLC has extended the seven-day ultimatum given to the government by another seven days. The new deadline, March 13, 2024, is the date by which the government is expected to implement all the earlier agreements of October 2, 2023, and other demands presented during the nationwide protest.
The NLC has warned that it will decide on further lines of action if the government refuses to comply with the demands as contained in the ultimatum. The presidency has criticized the decision of the NLC and TUC, describing it as “clearly unwarranted”.
The nationwide strike had a significant impact on economic activities across the country. However, the NLC has achieved its key objectives on the first day of the protest. The union leaders have commended Nigerians, its affiliates, state councils, workers, and civil society allies for peacefully demonstrating their outrage.
The suspension of the strike and the extension of the ultimatum have brought a temporary relief to the nation. However, the underlying issues remain unresolved, keeping the country on edge as it awaits the government’s response to the unions’ demands. The next few days will be crucial in determining the future course of this nationwide protest.