BREAKING: NLC, TUC Defies Court Order, Begin Nationwide Strike

Abuja, Nigeria– The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) have announced a nationwide strike starting at midnight today, November 13.

The labour unions have decided to go on strike in response to the assault on the NLC President and others in Owerri, Imo State on November 1, as well as to address the outstanding labour issues in Imo State.

It would be recalled that the National Industrial Court (NIC) had issued a restraining order, prohibiting them from initiating the strike amidst the deadlock with the Imo State Government.

However, in a statement released on Monday, the unions instructed workers across the nation to cease their services starting at midnight.

“In furtherance to the decision of the Joint National Executive Council (NEC) of NLC and TUC, all workers in Nigeria are hereby directed to withdraw their services effective 12:00 midnight today, 13th November 2023,” the unions said in a joint statement.

“Consequently, all affiliates and state councils of NLC/TUC are directed to issue circulars for maximum compliance and these circulars be made available to the National Secretariats or posted to the NEC and CWC Whatsapp Platforms.

While assuring members of further updates about the nationwide strike, organised labour urged them to “remain assured of our commitment to Nigerian workers and people”.

Following the incident, NLC and TUC threatened to go on a nationwide strike on November 14 if the government failed to meet its demands, which included the resignation of police officials.

“We are worried that it has become criminal for workers in Nigeria to gather for a peaceful protest,” they added.