NLC Declares August 2 National Strike Over Fuel Price Hike and Other Policies

Ilesanmi AdekanbiJuly 26, 2023

2 minutes read

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared a nationwide strike from August 2, in protest against the recent hike in the pump price of petrol and other policies that harm the poor by the Federal Government.

As a result of the hike, many Nigerians are facing hardship and inflation. The NLC is demanding that the government reverse the increase, which has caused widespread suffering among ordinary Nigerians. The union is also calling on the government to address other policies that affect the poor, such as the increase in electricity tariffs; and the removal of fuel subsidies.

The NLC also 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.

The NLC said that the strike and protests are aimed at defending the rights and welfare of Nigerians, who are suffering from the effects of the policies.

The NLC president, Joe Ajaero, gave the ultimatum at a media briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, July 25, 2023.

He said that the NLC had written to the President, the Senate President, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, expressing its displeasure over the policies and demanding their reversal.

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He said that if the government does not respond positively within seven days, the NLC will have no option but to embark on a nationwide strike and protests.

The President said that the NLC is not against reforms or subsidy removal, but it is against policies that are imposed without consultation or consideration of the impact on the masses. He said that the NLC is ready to dialogue with the government on how to address the challenges facing the country, but it will not accept policies that are detrimental to the people.

He urged Nigerians to support the NLC in its struggle for a better Nigeria, saying that the strike and protests are not only for workers but for all Nigerians who are affected by the policies. He said that the NLC will announce further details of the strike and protests in due course.

The ultimatum comes at a time when the country is already facing economic hardship. The recent hike in petrol prices has added to the burden on ordinary Nigerians, who are already struggling to make ends meet.

The NLC’s decision to strike is a sign of the growing frustration among the Nigerian people with the government’s economic policies. If the government does not take steps to address the concerns of the people, the strike could have a significant impact on the economy.