NLC remains firm on strike action, sends heartfelt message to Nigerians on Oct 1

As Nigeria marks its 63rd independence anniversary, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has sent an emotional message to Nigerians, urging them to join the planned indefinite strike starting on October 3. The NLC, along with the Trade Union Congress (TUC), said the strike was a result of the federal government’s failure to address the suffering and hardship of Nigerians caused by the removal of fuel subsidies and other anti-poor policies of the President Bola Tinubu administration.

The NLC said the government has shown “arrogance, insensitivity, and contempt” for the plight of the masses, who are bearing the brunt of the removal of subsidies on gasoline, which has led to a hike in the prices of fuel, electricity, food, and other essential commodities. The NLC also decried the rising insecurity, unemployment, poverty, corruption, and human rights violations in the country.

The NLC said the strike was a “last resort” to compel the government to reverse the fuel price increase, implement a new minimum wage, create jobs, end insecurity, and respect human rights. The NLC called on all Nigerians, especially workers, to join the strike and “rescue Nigeria from the brink of collapse.”

The NLC said it has concluded massive mobilisation of its members and affiliates for the nationwide strike, which will be total and comprehensive. The NLC said it has the support of other civil society organisations, professional bodies, market associations, students, and youths, who are equally affected by the government’s policies.