The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to reverse some policies that it considered anti-poor, such as the increase in electricity tariff and the planned removal of fuel subsidy. If the FG fails to meet these demands, the NLC warned that it would embark on an indefinite nationwide strike from August 1, 2023.
The Nigeria Labour Congress President, Ayuba Wabba, announced the ultimatum on July 25, 2023, after an emergency meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the NLC in Abuja.
He said that the NEC had unanimously resolved to reject the policies that would worsen the living conditions of Nigerians, especially the poor and vulnerable. He accused the FG of being insensitive and irresponsible to the plight of the masses.
The NLC’s ultimatum came amid rising public discontent over the FG’s policies that have led to higher costs of living, lower incomes, and reduced social services. The FG has defended its policies as necessary measures to reform the economy and reduce fiscal deficits. However, the NLC and other critics have argued that the policies are unjust, unsustainable, and anti-people.
The NLC and the FG have had a history of clashes over labour issues, such as minimum wage, fuel subsidy, and electricity tariff.
The outcome of the Nigerian Labour Congress’s ultimatum to the Federal Government is still uncertain. It is unclear whether the government will comply with the demands or if the Nigeria Labour Congress will follow through with its threat to initiate a nationwide strike. In any case, Nigerians are preparing for another period of difficulty and unpredictability in an already troubled nation.
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