CSOs ADVISE NLC AND TUC THAT DEMONSTRATIONS AND WORK STOPPAGES WON’T SOLVE ISSUES

A coalition of civil society organizations (CSOs) has urged the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) to reconsider their planned protest and strike action, emphasizing that neither approach can address the socio-economic challenges facing the country.

The NLC had announced a two-day nationwide mass protest for February 27 and 28, 2024, focusing on insecurity and economic hardships in Nigeria.

During a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, Dr. Godwin Abutu, the convener, stressed that the NLC and TUC should engage in constructive dialogue with concerned and patriotic Nigerians working towards ending hunger, stabilizing the currency, and ensuring the security of the people.

Abutu expressed the view that recent strike actions have not effectively resolved the challenges faced by the Nigerian masses. He urged the leadership of NLC/TUC to contribute intellectually to address common challenges rather than undermining the system.

He further stated, “Whatever challenges that have accompanied that policy (fuel subsidy removal) should be collectively resolved by us and not frustrate a policy that has seen more revenue in our federating units and local governments.”

The coalition does not expect the NLC/TUC leadership to ignore the fact that a warning strike won’t provide a solution to the current predicament but would only serve their ego and benefit from sponsors and associates, according to Abutu.