The Organised Labour has suspended its proposed nationwide strike and protests against the removal of fuel subsidy, not up to 24 hours after it had embarked on the mass action. The decision was announced by the President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Festus Osifo, during an interview with Arise News on Thursday morning.
The Labour leaders, who had previously met with President Bola Tinubu, stated that they extracted commitments from the government to address some of the issues raised during the meeting, and these commitments were to be implemented immediately. Based on this development, the TUC and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) decided to suspend the strike action.
The initial plan for nationwide protests and the strike action came after the Nigeria Labour Congress had met with the Federal Government, where they expressed their concerns and demands regarding the removal of fuel subsidy. The President of the NLC, Comrade Joe Ajaero, had noted that the outcome of the meeting with the government did not yield any positive changes or concessions that would alter their course of action. Despite this, they remained steadfast in their commitment to representing the interests and desires of Nigerian workers and the general public.
The proposed strike had led to tensions across the country, as the Labour movement had mobilized its members and sympathizers for mass protests in different states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Lagos, Kaduna, Kano, Cross River, Ebonyi, Ogun, Imo, Ondo, and Edo, among others.
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The suspension of the strike comes as a relief to many, as there were concerns about the potential impact on the economy and daily life in the country. The removal of fuel subsidy had caused a significant increase in fuel prices, leading to a rise in the cost of living for many Nigerians.
The decision to suspend the strike is seen as a positive step towards resolving the impasse between the government and the Labour movement. It remains to be seen how the government will follow through with its commitments to address the issues raised by the Labour leaders.
With the suspension of the protests and strike action, attention will now shift to how the government will navigate the concerns and demands of the Organised Labour and find a lasting solution to the fuel subsidy issue. The development also highlights the significance of dialogue and negotiation in addressing issues of national importance and ensuring the welfare of the Nigerian people.