NLC, TUC suspend strike and direct workers to resume work immediately

The Organised Labour announced last night that all the affiliate unions should go back to work on Thursday after calling off the indefinite strike that began on Tuesday, November 14.

The strike was halted after the National Security Adviser, NSA, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, intervened, and the culprits who attacked the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Comrade Joe Ajaero, on November 1 in Owerri, the Imo state capital, were arrested.

The joint statement signed by Comrade Emmanuel Ugbaja, the NLC General Secretary, and Comrade Nuhu Toro, the Secretary General of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, said that the strike was suspended to allow more talks after the federal

The government had met its key demands to deal with the shocking kidnapping and assault of the President of the NLC, Comrade Joe Ajaero, and others.

The statement said: “Following the emergency joint National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the NLC and TUC today, the 15th day of November 2023, where we carefully examined the proposals presented by the federal government through the National Security Adviser during its earlier meeting with the leadership of both centres, we decided to stop the ongoing nationwide strike, which started on November 14, 2023.

“This suspension is meant to enable further discussions after the federal government met our vital demands to address the alarming abduction and beating of the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Joe Ajaero, and others.

“These incidents happened at the hands of the police and Governor Hope Uzodimma’s thugs in Owerri, Imo State, on the 1st day of November, 2023.

“The NSA apologised on behalf of the government and promised to oversee the investigation. Some of the offenders have been caught, and we were given strong assurances that all others will be found and prosecuted.

“An intensive investigation is currently underway, and the leadership of the labour centres will be updated regularly as progress is made.

“We commend and salute all affiliates and state councils for their steadfast commitment and persistence, which contributed to the success of the nationwide strike.

“Therefore, all affiliates and state councils of both the NLC and TUC are hereby instructed to withdraw, stop any further escalation of the indefinite strike action, and fully resume work tomorrow, Thursday, the 16th day of November 2023.

“Once again, we convey our appreciation for your cooperation, resilience, and determination in ensuring the success of the indefinite nationwide strike.

“We urge you to remain alert as we await the fulfilment of the remaining agreements.