The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has opted out of the two-day nationwide protest scheduled by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) over concerns about the high cost of living, inflation, insecurity, and general hardship in the country.
Vice-President of the TUC, Tommy Etim, confirmed the withdrawal, stating that the decision to protest on February 27 and 28, as announced by the NLC, was not collectively agreed upon by both unions.
In a letter dated February 19, 2024, the TUC Secretary-General, Dr. Nuhu Toro, expressed dissatisfaction with the NLC’s unilateral decision on the planned protest. Etim reiterated this stance, stating, “By virtue of the letter, there is no way we can join the protest.”
This development occurred amidst a warning from the Department of State Services (DSS) cautioning organized labor against the mass action, citing potential hijacking of the protest.
The NLC had initially declared the two-day protest following the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government, alleging the failure to implement agreements reached in October, particularly concerning the removal of fuel subsidy and other economic reforms.
While preparations for the protest were underway, the TUC faulted the process adopted by the NLC in fixing the protest dates. Toro’s letter highlighted that decisions of such magnitude should be made collectively, ensuring all parties’ interests are duly considered.
The TUC emphasized the importance of jointly reviewing the situation and agreeing on the way forward before convening their respective national executive councils’ meetings.
With the TUC’s withdrawal, questions arise regarding the unity of purpose within the labor movement and the effectiveness of the planned protest in addressing the socio-economic challenges facing Nigeria.
