The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has given the Federal Government a seven-day ultimatum to reverse all perceived anti-poor policies, including the recent hike in the pump price of petrol, or face an indefinite nationwide strike from August 2.
Consequently, the NLC has directed all its affiliates and state councils to immediately begin mobilisation of workers and other Nigerians, including civil society allies, for a long-lasting strike and mass protests should the government fail to meet its demands.
This was contained in a communique signed by NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero and General Secretary, Comrade Emmanuel Ugbuaja and released to newsmen at the end of the Congress Central Working Committee meeting in Abuja.
The communique expresses the congress’s frustration over what it described as the continued indifference of the Federal Government to the plight of Nigeria workers and the poor, and resolved that it would begin to mobilise responsible men and women of conscience propelled by patriotic zeal to take necessary action to protect democracy and the nation since it is clear that the federal government is not interested in discussions having exhausted half of the agreed 8 weeks without activating the President Steering Committee.
The communique also calls for an immediate inauguration of the Presidential Steering Committee as agreed in the earlier consequential dialogues that the leadership of the organised labour had with the Federal Government in May.
It calls on all civil society organisations and Nigerians wherever they may be to begin mobilization to take action on their own to save our nation by
organizing and leading mass protest rallies across the nation to demonstrate outrage against the inhuman actions and policies of the government.
The communique consequently directs all affiliates and State Councils of NLC to begin immediate mobilization and closely work with associations, individuals and other entities including the ones already on the streets to ensure that government listens to the people.