NLC Planned Strike Is Illegal – FG Insists, Cites Reasons

The Federal Government has insisted that the planned industrial action by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is illegal.

This comes, following an admonition by Sam Ogala of Falana’s Chamber, in a letter dated July 28, 2023, which stated that the right to peaceful protest has not been removed from the constitution.

The FG, in a letter on Monday, by the Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice, Beatrice Jedy-Agba, and addressed to Falana Chambers on Monday, restated that there is a subsisting interim order restraining NLC from embarking on any industrial action.

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It partly read, “We reiterate that the interim order clearly restrained NLC from embarking on industrial action of any nature. It is common knowledge that a strike is only a form of industrial action. NLC has expressed intention to embark on nationwide action to force the government (employer) to agree to its demands.

“Furthermore, the participation of workers in the protest will result in restriction, or limitation on, or a delay in the performance of work. The foregoing, inclusive of the purported peaceful protest (in view of its intended aims or purposes) undoubtedly amounts to industrial action. We assert that it is grossly inappropriate to lead the public protest in respect of issues relating to or connected with the fuel price increase, which is currently before the court!”

She also called on Falana to educate the NLC that peaceful protests are no justification for shutting down essential services.