Police Urge Labour to Shelve Strike, Return to Negotiation Table

The Nigeria Police Force has called on organized labour to abandon its planned strike and return to negotiation with the Federal Government.

The police emphasized that negotiations would allow both parties to resolve issues amicably, as the industrial action could cause significant hardship for Nigerians.

In a statement issued on Monday by Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the police warned that avoiding the strike would help maintain law and order in the country.

The statement read, “In light of the Federal Government’s recent declaration that the planned strike is illegal and premature, the Nigeria Police Force views this action as a potential catalyst for increased tension and political instability.

“The NPF hereby urges organized labour to proceed with the ongoing deliberations at the Tripartite Committee, which is focused on determining a new minimum wage. Shelving the planned strike is essential to prevent untold hardships on members of the public and maintain order and stability within our country.

“The Nigeria Police Force assures the public that ample deployments have been made across the country to ensure that citizens can go about their lawful duties without hindrance. Therefore, all members of the public are encouraged to remain calm and continue with their lawful daily activities, while organized labour is urged to act responsibly and in accordance with the law, prioritizing dialogue and legal avenues to resolve the existing grievances.”

The nationwide industrial action over the minimum wage demand, organized by labour unions, is set to begin today (Monday).

A meeting convened by National Assembly leaders on Sunday night failed to achieve its objective, as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) insisted on proceeding with the strike.

The meeting, presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, was attended by NLC President Joe Ajaero and TUC President Festus Osifo.

Addressing journalists after the meeting, Osifo said, “The Senate President appealed to us to call off the strike. But we can’t sit here and call off the strike because we have other organs. We will take the appeals to our various organs. We don’t have the powers to call off the strike action. For now, the strike action will commence, while we discuss with our organs.”