The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has provided an explanation for the suspension of its planned strike, which was scheduled to take place on Wednesday in protest against the removal of petrol subsidy by the Federal Government.
The NLC stated that the strike was called off in compliance with a ruling from the National Industrial Court (NiC), which restrained the Labour Congress from proceeding with the strike.
The order was issued by Justice O. Y. Anuwe in response to an ex-parte motion presented by the Federal Government through the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and moved by Director, Civil Litigation, Federal Ministry of Justice Mrs. Maimuna Lami Shiru.
In addition to the court ruling, the NLC decided to suspend the strike to facilitate uninterrupted negotiations and potentially reach a final agreement during or after the negotiations with the Federal Government on June 19.
The decision was made after an emergency meeting of the National Executive Council held in Abuja, as indicated in a jointly signed communique by NLC President Joe Ajaero and General Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja.
The strike notice had been issued by the NLC in response to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's declaration in his inauguration address that "fuel subsidy is gone." This announcement led to immediate reactions from petrol marketers who shut down filling stations and increased product prices.
The order by Justice O. Y. Anuwe will remain in effect until the hearing and determination of a motion on notice dated June 5. The judge justified her action based on the argument presented by the Federal Government's lawyer that the strike, if allowed, would cause significant damage to the nation.
However, the NLC expressed dissatisfaction with the ruling of the National Industrial Court (NIC) for repeatedly issuing ex-parte injunctions in favor of the government, which goes against the interests of Nigerian workers and defies the position of the Supreme Court on the use of such injunctions.
Consequently, the NLC directed all its affiliates and state councils to suspend further action and mobilization until the outcome of the final negotiations with the federal government.
The NLC communique also commended the Congress' leadership for their diligent efforts, emphasized the importance of the government complying with the law and court rulings, and expressed strong disapproval of the NIC's use of ex-parte injunctions. It urged all affiliates and state councils to remain vigilant in case further action becomes necessary.
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