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Chaos at the Capital: NLC, TUC Lock Down National Assembly in Protest

In a show of force, members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) descended on the National Assembly, locking out both staff and visitors from offices within the complex as of 11:45 am. This aggressive move is part of a nationwide industrial action initiated by the NLC and TUC in response to a dispute with the Nigerian government.

While the National Assembly staff and visitors faced restricted access, lawmakers who had already entered the chambers continued with their parliamentary duties. The strike follows directives from the NLC’s national executive council meeting, compelling all Congress affiliates to strictly comply with the industrial action.

The decision to strike was made during a joint meeting of the NLC and TUC in Abuja, fueled by alleged infractions and encroachments on workers’ rights, the assault on NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero, and the government’s persistent refusal to implement agreements. Grievances also include the non-payment of salary and pension backlogs, discriminatory salary practices, and non-compliance with the national minimum wage.

Amidst this nationwide strike, executive members of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) directed their members to shut down ports in compliance with the industrial action. Freight forwarders arriving at the port were turned away, disrupting plans to commence goods clearance.

In a significant escalation, electricity workers, members of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), followed directives from organized labor to withdraw their services around 11:20 am, leading to a nationwide blackout. Parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and its surroundings experienced power outages.

Despite a court order restraining the unions from striking, the NLC and TUC proceeded with the nationwide indefinite strike on Tuesday. Responding to the development, the Presidency, represented by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, criticized the unions for flouting the court order, deeming it a disregard for the judiciary. The government expressed its concern that the nation’s economy and social activities should not suffer due to the personal interests of any labor leader.

Aliyu Mai Kakee