Strike looms as NLC rejects FG pleas over fuel hike

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared that its two-week strike ultimatum to the Federal Government remains in effect amid escalating petrol prices and economic hardship.

The unions insisted they will not back down on protecting Nigerian workers, issuing fresh demands for immediate economic interventions and an upward review of the minimum wage.

Speaking at an official retreat in Abuja on Monday, NLC President Joe Ajaero dismissed appeals to suspend the impending industrial action. He stated that the recent N70,000 minimum wage agreement and the subsequent N40,000 flat addition to federal workers’ salaries have failed to match the soaring cost of food and transportation.

Ajaero criticized the Federal Government for waiting until unions mobilize for strikes before addressing workers’ grievances, calling for proactive interventions instead of reactive negotiations.

“I’ve not come here to discuss my ultimatum. My ultimatum stands. To wait for Labour to be on the street before we address this is not really what is happening all over the world. Countries all over the world will come with interventionary measures even before Labour acts on it.”

The NLC leader debunked claims that federal public servants received a 133 percent salary increase. He clarified that the government merely added a rate of N40,000 to workers’ paychecks, an amount which he said has already been eroded by inflation.

In response, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, cautioned against the looming strike, urging labour leaders to balance their demands with the fiscal capacity of the nation.

“The commission must continually balance the legitimate expectations of workers with the fiscal realities of government and broader imperatives of national economic development. A credible and inclusive approach towards governance is indispensable to building trust and preventing avoidable industrial disputes”.

The Federal Government also stated that it is pursuing key economic reforms to stabilize the economy, urging workers to embrace dialogue instead of strike action.