The state chapters and affiliate unions of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, are gearing up for a possible declaration of a nationwide strike following the expiration of a 21-day ultimatum given the Federal Government to provide palliatives to cushion the pains associated with the recent fuel subsidy removal.
The organised labour had earlier embarked on a two-day warning strike to press home its demands.
After the warning strike, the NLC gave the government a 21-day ultimatum within which to meet its demands.
With the expiration of the ultimatum on Friday, the NLC has scheduled an emergency meeting of its National Executive Council for Tuesday at noon.
The council’s next line of action is expected to be decided at the virtual meeting.
In a notice of the meeting dated September 22, 2023, the congress’ General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, told the Presidents, General Secretaries and Treasurers of its affiliates that attendance at the meeting will be of utmost importance.
Ahead of the meeting, however, state chapters of the NLC have said that they are ready to mobilise full participation if the NEC declares a strike on Tuesday.
However, VOP News gathered that as part of its last-minute moves to prevent a strike, the Federal Government may meet with labour leaders again this week.
This is even as NLC state chapters have affirmed that they would participate fully if the union resolved to declare a strike.
The Ekiti State Chairman of the NLC, Kolapo Olatunde, said the NLC NEC’s decision supersedes any other decision and if the council calls for a strike, then the state workers will participate.
The situation is the same in Gombe State where the state Secretary of NLC, Ibrahim Fika, said the chapter would comply fully with the industrial action if ordered.
In Plateau State, members of the NLC vowed to comply if the union decides to go strike.
The state chairman, Eugene Manji, said if the majority decides that the union is going on strike, workers in Plateau State cannot disobey the decision of NEC but will comply.
Also in Sokoto State the state chapter of the NLC said it would join the strike whenever the national headquarters decides.
In Benue State, the NLC chairman, Terungwa Igbe, said the chapter would comply with any directive from the national secretariat.
Also in Kano State, the state chapter expressed its readiness to comply with any directive from the national headquarters.
The state chairman, Kabiru Inuwa, said the NLC National Executive Council may decide to go on strike and whatever decision is taken, the Kano State chapter will abide by it.
