The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has confirmed the suspension of its planned strike after an emergency intervention by President Bola Tinubu and the Senate. The decision came after the National Executive Council meeting of the Congress.
In a brief message sent to reporters on Thursday morning, the NLC’s national treasurer, Hakeem Ambali, stated, “Protest suspended due to the Senate intervention and meeting with President Tinubu yesternight.”
The NLC had initially insisted that it would only suspend the strike if the government demonstrated seriousness in addressing its concerns. The protest, which took place across the nation and in the Federal Capital Territory, triggered an urgent meeting between the President and the labour leaders.
During Wednesday’s protest in Abuja, demonstrators expressed their discontent by forcefully pulling down the gates of the National Assembly in an attempt to meet with lawmakers. The NLC president, Joe Ajaero, later disclosed that President Tinubu had made certain commitments following their meeting.
As a result of the intervention and commitments made by President Tinubu, the labour centre decided to suspend the planned strike. The NLC is expected to provide further details in a public briefing shortly.
The intervention by President Tinubu and the Senate has averted a potential nationwide strike that would have significantly disrupted economic activities and government operations. The suspension of the strike is seen as a positive development in resolving the issues between the government and the labour union.
The public is now awaiting further updates from the NLC on the outcomes of their discussions with the government, and how they plan to proceed with their demands going forward.
