What Tinubu Must Do To Avert Strike – NLC

What Tinubu Must Do To Avert Strike – NLC

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called upon President Bola Tinubu to immediately reverse the “anti-poor policies” of his government to prevent an impending industrial action scheduled to start on August 2.

In a statement released after a meeting of the workers’ Central Working Committee (CWC) on July 26, signed by President Joe Ajaero and General Secretary Emmanuel Ugbonga, the NLC stated that it is facing pressure from Nigerians to lead a protest against the government’s policies, and this pressure has reached a tipping point.

The NLC demanded the prompt establishment of the Presidential Steering Committee as previously agreed upon in dialogues with the Federal Government.

Read Also BREAKING: Gov Alia Loses In Court (DETAILS)

The Congress specified several prerequisites for halting the strike, including the reversal of the PMS price increase, recent hikes in public school fees, the release of eight months’ withheld salary for university lecturers and workers, and the rollback of the increase in VAT.

Furthermore, the NLC urged the government to foster a coalition where all Nigerians can be both leaders and followers. Meanwhile, the NLC called upon civil society organizations, affiliates, and all Nigerians to mobilize for a mass protest starting from August 2.

The NLC criticized the government’s indifference to the plight of workers and the poor, asserting that it had no choice but to respond to citizens’ calls for a protest due to the severe hardship experienced in the country.

The NLC gave the Federal Government a seven-day ultimatum to reverse some of its policies, warning of potential consequences if the demands were not met. The recent increase in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from N185 to N500, and subsequently to over N600 per liter, was cited as a particularly shocking move that demonstrated the government’s insensitivity to the challenges faced by Nigerians.

The CWC-in-Session expressed disappointment with the federal government’s disregard for the welfare and concerns of the people and workers, as it continued to implement policies that exacerbated the suffering and impoverishment of the masses.