Why Did The NLC Suspend The Proposed Strike?

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) suspended its proposed strike action scheduled to start on Wednesday after a meeting with government officials in the Presidential Villa on Monday, June 5, 2023.

Labour unions in the country are opposing President Tinubu’s decision to remove the fuel subsidy, which has seen the price of petroleum skyrocket to over N500 per litre in every part of the country as fears of increased inflation loom.

NLC President Joe Ajaero and his team arrived at the Presidential Villa on Monday evening, and after hours of a meeting with representatives of the government, a resolution was reached that gave the government more time to address the challenges of fuel subsidy removal for citizens.

Related: NLC Set January 27 and February 1 For Nationwide Protest

Why did the NLC suspend Wednesday’s strike?

Speaker of the House of Representatives Femi Gbajamiala, who was part of the government’s delegation in the negotiations, said the government, the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and the NLC would create a joint committee that would review the proposal for a minimum wage increase and work out a timeframe and framework for implementation.

“The Federal Government, the TUC and the NLC would review World Bank Financed Cash transfer scheme and propose inclusion of low-income earners in the programme,” Gbajabiamila disclosed.

“The Federal Government, the TUC and the NLC to revive the CNG conversion programme earlier agreed with Labour centres in 2021 and work out detailed implementation and timing.

“The Labour centres and the Federal Government to review issues hindering effective delivery in the education sector and propose solutions for implementation.

“The Labour centres and the Federal Government to review and establish the framework for completion of the rehabilitation of the nation’s refineries.

“The Federal Government to provide a framework for the maintenance of roads and expansion of rail networks across the country.”

President Tinubu, during his inauguration speech, announced the removal of the fuel subsidy, which has seen a ridiculous hike in fuel prices by marketers.

Critics have blamed the government’s failure to create an exit plan from the fuel subsidy, lamenting its hardship on citizens.