JUST IN: FG Reacts To Notice Of Strike Issued By NLC

JUST IN: FG Reacts To Notice Of Strike Issued By NLC

The federal government has stated that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) issuing a notice of strike action constitutes a violation of the order issued by the National Industrial Court.

According to a statement by the solicitor-general of the federation and permanent secretary of the Federal Ministry of Justice, B.E. Jedy-Agba, the court had granted an order on June 5, 2023, restraining the NLC and TUC from engaging in any form of industrial action until the hearing and determination of a pending Motion on Notice.

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The statement by Ms Jedy-Agba also pointed out that the NLC’s recent strike notice, endorsed by its National President Joe Ajaero and Secretary-General Emmanuel Ugboaja, mni, pertains to the same issues that led to the court action. The court action, titled SUIT NO: NICN/ABJ/158/2023 – FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OF NIGERIA & ANOR V. NIGERIAN LABOUR CONGRESS & ANOR, is still pending before the National Industrial Court. The NLC is represented in the court proceedings by the law firm of Femi Falana, SAN.

The statement expressed concern over the NLC’s disregard for court orders, citing previous instances where the NLC leadership made derogatory remarks against the court. The federal government urged the NLC to respect the court’s jurisdiction and refrain from taking any self-help measures.

Furthermore, the government emphasized that it is engaging with stakeholders to mitigate the impact of fuel subsidy removal and fuel price increases. It called on the NLC to opt for negotiations instead of resorting to strike actions. The government urged the NLC to uphold the principles of lis pendis and the rule of law to avoid any adverse consequences.