NLC says strike continues despite Tinubu’s offers

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has vowed to proceed with its August 2 nationwide strike to protest the removal of petroleum subsidy despite offers made by President Bola Tinubu on Monday.

Leaders of the NLC and Trade Union Congress met with government representatives at the presidential villa on Monday.

The organized labour expressed skepticism about President Bola Tinubu’s ability to effectively control inflation and petrol prices following the unification of the exchange rate, according to The Cable.

Joe Ajaero, the president of the NLC, reiterated the plan for workers to engage in a peaceful protest starting from Wednesday and dismissed concerns about the protest being hijacked by hoodlums. He, said it is the responsibility of the security agencies to ensure the safety of demonstrators.

Mr Ajaero said President Tinubu’s plan to intervene in the exchange rate to address inflation and the high cost of petrol remains doubtful given Nigeria’s reliance on imported energy and the lack of comparative advantages.

– Easing cost of living

President Tinubu, in an effort to wade-off the planned strike, on Monday announced an ambitious plan to ease the impact of his economic policies many have said were not well thought out.

Part of the cushion plan hints on the roll out of a new national minimum wage and an extensive scheme to support farmers and boost agriculture through loans, availability of seedlings and improved infrastructure.

Mr Tinubu however owned up that his offers were belated but promised to “swiftly close the time gap”.

– Moving forward

Also, leading affiliates of the labour unions are mobilizing their members for the Wednesday strike.

The National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP) and the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) on Monday directed their members to join the planned NLC strike.

In a circular signed by Ocheme Aba; General Secretary, NUATE, Abdul Rasaq Saidu; General Secretary, ANAP and Umoh Ofonime, Deputy General Secretary, NAAPE and made available to the press, the unions say it is necessary for their members to join the strike as affiliates of the NLC.

“As you are aware, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has directed nationwide protests among the present regime of subsidy removal, which has wrecked untold hardship on workers and the common people.

“Accordingly, as affiliates of NLC, all state councils and branches of the above-named trade unions are hereby directed to fully join the respective state councils of all Nigeria Labour Congress in all states of Nigeria, starting on August 2, 2023, for the protest.”

The Nigeria Union of Railwaymen have also mobilized to join the strike.

The unions vowed not to suspend the action until the NLC says otherwise.