Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in a joint statement released on Sunday, have disavowed a purported nationwide strike notice that has been circulating widely.
The notice, purportedly signed by the General Secretary of NLC, Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja, and the Secretary General of TUC, Comrade Nuhu Toro, claimed an imminent strike action scheduled to commence on Monday, December 18.
Benson Upah, the Head of Information and Public Affairs representing both labour unions, confirmed the falsity of the circulating notice. In a press conference, he categorically denounced the authenticity of the strike ultimatum, cautioning the public against giving it any credence.
“We wish to unequivocally state that neither the NLC nor the TUC has sanctioned or issued any directive for a strike action set to begin on Monday, December 18,” said Upah.
“This notice circulating widely is entirely false and should be disregarded by the public.”
Benson Upah emphasized the following,
“We want to reassure Nigerians that this notice did not emanate from us, and neither do we have any intention of initiating any strike action this period. Concerned Nigerians are advised to ignore this notice. It is fake.”
Upah urged Nigerians not to be swayed by the misinformation, assuring them that there are no plans for a strike action during the mentioned period. He emphasized that both the NLC and TUC remain committed to their principles of responsible and constructive engagement with relevant stakeholders.
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The unions expressed concern over the potential confusion and disruption that such false information could cause in the country. They called on the public to remain calm and not succumb to any unwarranted panic or anxiety.
This disavowal comes amidst a backdrop of increasing challenges faced by workers in Nigeria, including issues related to wages, working conditions, and general workers’ rights. However, the NLC and TUC clarified that any official communication regarding industrial actions would be conveyed through appropriate channels and not through unverified notices.
NLC and TUC emphasized their commitment to pursuing dialogue and negotiations as the preferred means of addressing workers’ concerns.
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