The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) have made the decision to suspend the ongoing strike after a meeting of their Joint National Executive Council (NEC). The strike was called in response to the assault on NLC President Joe Ajaero and other unresolved issues. However, the Federal Government, through the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), intervened, leading to the suspension of the strike.
The government had invited the leaders of NLC and TUC for a meeting, which was arranged by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. Prior to the meeting, Ribadu had issued a statement urging the organized labor to suspend the strike. He assured them that the individuals responsible for the assault on Joe Ajaero had been apprehended and were under investigation.
The meeting was attended by Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, Minister of State, Nkeiruka Onyeajeocha, and National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. The labor delegation was led by TUC President, Festus Osifo, NLC Secretary General, Emmanuel Ugboaja, and other labor leaders.
In a statement released after the meeting, the labor unions announced the decision to suspend the nationwide strike. The suspension was intended to allow for further discussions after the government had met crucial demands regarding the distressing abduction and assault of Joe Ajaero and others. The incidents occurred on November 1, 2023, in Owerri, Imo state, at the hands of the police and Governor Hope Uzodimma's supporters.
The statement highlighted that an apology was issued on behalf of the government, and the NSA promised to coordinate the investigation. Some of the perpetrators had already been arrested, and the labor unions were given strong assurances that all others would be identified and prosecuted. A thorough investigation is currently underway, and the labor leaders will be continuously updated on the progress.
By suspending the strike, the labor unions aim to create an environment for further dialogue and resolution of the outstanding issues.
