NLC declares two-day warning strike over petrol subsidy removal

By Cynthia Ezekwe.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and its 52 affiliate unions across the country have declared a two-day warning strike in protest against the government’s  handling of  the petrol subsidy removal palliative and its adverse impact on the masses.

The nationwide strike is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, September 5, and Wednesday September 6, 2023.

Joe Ajaero , the NLC president, made this known while addressing journalists  at the end of the National Executive Council meeting of the Congress (NEC).

He said:  “NEC in session of NLC resolved to embark on a total and indefinite shutdown of the nation within 14 working days or 21 days from today until steps are taken by the government to address the excruciating mass suffering and the impoverishment experienced around the country.’’

Ajaero explained that the warning strike is  to demonstrate NLC’s  readiness for the indefinite strike later in the month and to also demand that the state vacates the illegally occupied national headquarters of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).

The NLC also resolved to embark on a mass protest and rally in Imo State within September.

Ajaero noted that the proposed strike action was necessitated as a result of the government’s deliberate neglect and disregard to engage the relevant stakeholders through the channel of social dialogue.

He said the federal government has refused to engage and reach an agreement with the organised labour on critical issues on the consequences of the unfortunate hike in prices of Petroleum which has unleashed massive suffering on Nigerian workers and masses.