The Nigeria Labour Congress has issued notice of a warning strike for Tuesday and Wednesday next week as a prelude to a full-blown strike. The warning strike action may give birth to an indefinite strike action in the next three weeks according to resolutions reached after the National Executive Council meeting of the labour body.

Labour is not happy with the government for not fulfilling the agreement mutually agreed in the wake of the removal of fuel subsidy. Addressing the media on Friday, President Nigeria Labour Congress, Mr. Joe Ajaero said “the federal government has refused to engage and reach agreement with organized labour on the critical issues of the consequences of the unfortunate hike in the price of petrol which has unleashed massive suffering on Nigerian workers and masses,”

He said labour unions nationwide would embark on a “total and indefinite shutdown of the nation” later in the month, until steps are taken by the government to address the “excruciating mass suffering and impoverishment being experienced around the country”.

In a communique jointly signed by its President, Joe Ajaero and General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, Congress resolved: “To embark on a total and indefinite shutdown of the nation within 14 working days or 21 days from today (Friday) until steps are taken by the Government to address the excruciating mass suffering and impoverishment being experienced around the country.”

NLC also disclosed that it will embark on a two-day industrial action to protest against the occupation of the national headquarters of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).

“To commence a 2-day nationwide warning strike on Tuesday and Wednesday, the 5th & 6th of September, 2023 to demonstrate our readiness for the indefinite strike later in the month and to also demand that the State vacates the illegally occupied National Headquarters of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW),” Congress stated.

The Labour Organisation of Nigerian workers also hinted that its protest march will berth in Imo state later in September for what it described as a major shutdown of the state to compel the state government to stop the abuse and violation of the rights and privileges of workers and trade unions in the state.

Also, the NLC stated that it will begin the shutdown of the operations of Air Peace Airline and other companies in the Aviation sector that are involved in serial violation of the rights of workers in the sector to freedom of association and to collectively bargain and organise.

It is, however, not certain what the reactions of government would be to the new threat of strike action. The last time similar threat was issued, the federal government went to the National Industrial Court to obtain a restraining order against the NLC.