The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have commenced a nationwide strike in response to the physical assault of NLC President Joe Ajaero and some executives of the Congress in Owerri, Imo State. The strike began on November 14, 2023, and is aimed at protesting the assault on Ajaero as well as addressing pending labor issues in Imo State.
Despite a court order issued by Justice Benedict Backwash Kanyip of the National Industrial Court restraining the NLC and TUC from embarking on the strike, the labor unions have chosen to ignore the order and proceed with the industrial action. The Presidency and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) have expressed concern over the decision to ignore the court order and called on the labor unions to respect the rule of law.
The TUC President, Festus Osifo, stated that the strike was necessary due to the lack of response from the federal government regarding the demands of organized labor. These demands include the arrest and prosecution of those involved in the assault on Ajaero, the removal and prosecution of the Area Commandant of Police who led the assault, and the arrest and prosecution of Chinasa, who allegedly led the thugs involved in the assault.
The labor dispute in Imo State, which led to the nationwide strike, originated from allegations made by the labor unions against the Imo State government. These allegations include the illegal sacking of over 600 workers, the non-payment of workers’ and pensioners’ arrears, the declaration of ghost workers/pensioners, and the failure to properly implement the national minimum wage.
The Presidency has criticized the labor unions’ decision to call for a nationwide strike, describing it as an abuse of privilege and an attempt to blackmail the government. The Presidency emphasized that the strike is illegal, immoral, unjustifiable, and irresponsible.