"NLC's National Executive Council Endorses Nationwide Strike on August 2 in Protest of Subsidy Removal"

The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has given its full support and endorsement to the nationwide strike and mass protests planned by the NLC for August 2. The decision came after the NEC meeting held recently, during which members also approved the resolutions made by the Central Working Committee (CWC) of NLC on July 25, 2023.

In a communique signed by Joe Ajaero, the President of NLC, and Emma Ugboaja, the General Secretary, the NEC expressed its concern about the current socio-economic situation in Nigeria, which has caused immense suffering and hardship for workers and the general population. The NEC accused the government of showing contempt for the plight of Nigerians and ignoring calls for dialogue, opting instead to impose policies that burden the people while benefiting the wealthy.

As part of its response, the NEC commended and stood by the decisions made by the CWC on July 25. These decisions include demanding the reversal of all anti-poor policies introduced by the federal government, such as the recent hike in the price of petrol (PMS), increased public school fees, and the delayed payment of eight months' salaries for university lecturers and workers, along with an increase in VAT.

The NEC called for the immediate establishment of a Presidential Steering Committee to form a coalition of all Nigerians, uniting everyone to work towards saving the nation. It urged civil society organizations and Nigerians nationwide to mobilize and take action to protest against the government's inhumane actions and policies.

To put pressure on the government, the NEC issued a seven-day ultimatum for the government to meet their demands. If the government fails to respond satisfactorily, a nationwide action will commence on August 2, 2023, aiming to compel the government to reverse its anti-poor and anti-workers policies.

NEC directed all affiliates and state councils to start mobilization efforts immediately, collaborating with other groups and individuals who are already on the streets protesting. The NEC believes that the government's lack of seriousness in addressing the impact of the fuel price hike was evident during a hastily called meeting where they were unprepared to tackle the issues at hand.

To ensure effective organization, strategy committees will be set up in all states to coordinate the protest actions. The NEC calls on all affiliates, state councils, and civil society to join the mass protests beginning on August 2, 2023, to voice their outrage against the government's indifference to the struggles of the Nigerian people.