BREAKING: NLC, TUC Threaten Fresh Strike Action Over Hardship In Nigeria, Warn Tinubu’s Govt.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have jointly issued a fourteen-day ultimatum to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government to address their pressing needs or else threaten to embark on an industrial action.

The unions’ action comes as a result of the government’s failure to implement a 16-point agreement signed in October 2023.

The agreement aimed at addressing the severe hardships caused by the increase in petrol prices and the devaluation of the naira, which have further worsened the economic situation in the country.

The NLC and TUC have firmly demanded that the Federal Government fulfil its obligations within 14 days, starting from Friday, February 9th, 2024.

The leaders of these unions express their disappointment that despite their efforts to maintain industrial peace, the government appears unconcerned about the widespread suffering and hardship experienced by the people.

A joint statement issued by the union on Thursday reads in part; “Leaders of the NLC and TUC are sad that, despite organised labour’s efforts to ensure industrial peace, the government seems unperturbed by the mass suffering and hardship across the country.

“The October 2 agreement was “focused on addressing the massive suffering and the general harsh socioeconomic consequences of the ill-conceived and ill-executed IMF/World Bank-induced hike in the price of PMS and the devaluation of the naira. These dual policies have had, as we predicted, dire economic consequences for the masses and workers of Nigeria.

“It is regrettable that we are compelled to resort to such measures, but the persistent neglect of the welfare of citizens and Nigerian workers and the massive hardship leave us with no choice.”

“Constrained by this development and recognising the urgency of the situation and the imperative of ensuring the protection and defence of the rights and dignity of Nigerian workers and citizens, the NLC and TUC hereby issue a stern ultimatum to the Federal Government to honour their part of the understanding within 14 days from tomorrow, the 9th day of February 2024,” the statement added.