In a significant turn of events, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has reneged on its support for the Nigeria Labour Congress’s (NLC) planned two-day nationwide protest slated for February 27 and 28. The protest, aimed at highlighting the soaring cost of living, inflationary pressures, insecurity, and pervasive hardship within the nation, has encountered a fissure within the ranks of organized labor.
Tommy Etim, Vice-President of the TUC, conveyed to The PUNCH on Wednesday that the decision to stage the protest was not a product of joint deliberation between the two unions. The TUC, through a missive dated February 19, 2024, dispatched by its Secretary General, Dr. Nuhu Toro, underscored that the NLC had independently forged ahead with the protest initiative.
In an exclusive interview, Etim affirmed the communication directed to NLC President Mr. Joe Ajaero, firmly stating, “by the virtue of the letter, there is no way we can join the protest.”
This development unfolds against the backdrop of a cautionary note sounded by the Department of State Services (DSS), cautioning against the potential ramifications of the proposed mass action. The NLC had earlier announced its intention to stage the protest subsequent to the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government, which lapses today, February 22.
The underlying grievances fueling the protest stem from the government’s alleged failure to honor agreements brokered on October 2, notably following the removal of fuel subsidies and the implementation of economic reforms that precipitated a surge in transportation costs, inflation rates, and overall economic duress.
The discord within organized labor became manifest as the TUC, through Toro’s penned epistle, lamented the unilateral decision-making by the NLC, stressing the absence of collaborative consensus-building, which they argue has historically underscored their modus operandi.
While the TUC expressed alignment with the core issues prompting the protest, it vehemently opposed the NLC’s unilateral approach, underscoring the necessity for joint decision-making in matters of such magnitude.
In response to the unfolding scenario, the DSS urged restraint, advocating for dialogue and negotiation over actions that could exacerbate prevailing tensions. The agency voiced concerns over potential subversion of the protest for nefarious ends, cautioning against actions that could plunge the nation into further turmoil.
Conversely, NLC President Ajaero rebuffed the DSS advisory, accusing the agency of coercion and asserting the peaceful nature of the intended protest. Ajaero condemned what he perceived as undue interference and sought to reassure the public of the protest’s peaceful intent.
Amidst this backdrop, the Federal Government reiterated its commitment to addressing the grievances of organized labor, citing ongoing efforts to fulfill prior commitments and engage in constructive dialogue to foster industrial harmony and enhance workers’ welfare.
As the nation teeters on the precipice of potential unrest, the divergent voices within organized labor and the government’s efforts to navigate this delicate terrain underscore the complexities and challenges inherent in addressing the multifaceted socio-economic issues confronting Nigeria.
