FG Cautions NLC, Over Proposed Industrial Strike

The Federal Government has described the notice of strike action by the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, as illegal and in contempt of court.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Beatrice Jedy-Agba,

According to the statement, the Federal Government says it has earlier secured an order from the National Industrial Court in Abuja, which restrained the labour union from embarking on any strike action over issues bordering on removal of fuel subsidy, hike in prices of petrol and consequential increase in cost of living, pending the determination of the suit.

It therefore, urges the NLC to withdraw the 7-day notice issued on its plan to commence a nationwide industrial action if their demands were not met.

According to the statement, such strike action will amount to a resort to self-help since the matter is already pending in court.

The NLC, through its National President, Joe Ajaero and Secretary-General, Emmanuel Ugboaja, had called on Nigerian workers to prepare for a nationwide strike on August 1 to protest hike in price of fuel.

PR/Garry Ochigbo EDITED BY GRACE NAMIJI