Strike: Sultan of Sokoto Urges Labour Leaders to Persist in Negotiations

The Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, has urged the Organised Labour in Nigeria to reconsider their planned strike action set to commence on Monday, June 3, 2024.

In a statement released by his media team on Sunday night, June 2, 2024, the Sultan appealed to Labour leaders to weigh the potential adverse effects of the strike on the wellbeing of the Nigerian populace, whose interests they aim to protect.

“The Labour leaders should consider the overbearing effects of the strike action on the wellbeing of the same Nigerians whose interests they are fighting to protect, and therefore shelve the industrial action,” he said.

The Sultan emphasized the importance of continuous negotiation between the Labour and the government, urging both parties to work towards a mutually beneficial resolution.

“We appeal to Labour not to subject the nation to further hardship. They should engage in dialogue with the government to reach a conclusion that will benefit all Nigerians, including the working class,” he stated.

Having been personally involved in past negotiations between Labour and the government, Sultan Abubakar acknowledged the legitimacy of Labour’s demands for better welfare. However, he stressed that such actions should be taken with compassion and that strikes should be viewed as a last resort.

“You are advocating for the rights of your fellow workers, but it should be done compassionately, with strikes seen as the last option,” he concluded.