The national executive councils of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) announced the suspension of their nationwide strike on Wednesday night. The decision came following the intervention of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, amidst the alleged assault on NLC President Joe Ajaero.
While the labour unions cited trust in Ribadu as the reason for the suspension, the organized private sector and maritime operators criticized the timing and perceived misconceptions behind the industrial action.
The Organized Private Sector (OPS), comprising key players in the economy, expressed concerns about the ill-timed strike, emphasizing its potential impact on the federal government’s ability to meet its yearly revenue target.
Tommy Etim, the National Deputy President of the TUC, clarified that the strike suspension was temporary and contingent on the government meeting certain conditions. He highlighted the satisfactory response from the National Security Adviser and commended him for addressing the concerns surrounding the assault on Ajaero during a protest in Imo State.
The strike was initiated in response to the assault on NLC President Joe Ajaero during a protest in Owerri, Imo State, where he was reportedly beaten and detained for hours by hoodlums and the police.
Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, addressed the labour leaders during a meeting, apologizing for the attack on Ajaero and assuring them of a thorough investigation and prosecution of the culprits.
Despite the strike’s suspension, the NLC listed six conditions that must be met before calling off the strike permanently. These conditions include the arrest and prosecution of the alleged attacker, the dismissal of police officers involved, and an investigation into the assault.
The OPS criticized the strike’s timing, citing potential adverse effects on the struggling national currency. The Deputy-President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Gabriel Idahosa, labeled the strike an abuse of power, emphasizing the need for a strategic approach to address broader economic issues.
The strike’s economic impact was evident, with losses estimated between N10 billion to N20 billion in the maritime sector alone. The maritime workers’ union shutdown of ports led to disruptions in supply chains, affecting businesses and causing financial losses.
As the strike continued, various states, including Niger, Bauchi, Rivers, and others, reported government offices, schools, and banks remaining closed. The ongoing strike has also affected power supply, with the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company attributing the blackout in parts of the South-East to the strike.
Despite the strike’s suspension, the NLC insisted on meeting specific conditions before permanently calling off the industrial action. The aftermath of the strike raised concerns about its economic implications and the need for dialogue between the government and labour unions to address ongoing challenges.