The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a stern warning to its members to prepare for a nationwide economic shutdown if police proceed with the arrest of Comrade Joe Ajaero, the NLC President. This directive follows Ajaero's invitation by the police regarding allegations of financing terrorism. During an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on August 20, 2024, the NLC resolved to seek an extension for Ajaero to consult with his lawyers before responding to the police's inquiries. NLC Deputy President Kabiru Ado Sani emphasized the importance of solidarity among workers, stating that any arrest of Ajaero would trigger a mobilization across the country, leading to a strike that could significantly disrupt economic activities [4667ae95].
This latest development adds to the ongoing tensions between the NLC and the Nigerian government, which have already been strained over issues such as the minimum wage and rising electricity costs. Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State previously appealed to the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to suspend their planned indefinite strike, citing concerns over the economic impact on Nigeria [eaffb6cc].
The NLC's position has become increasingly precarious following the removal of Ajaero as chairman, which has raised questions about the future direction of the union and its ability to effectively advocate for workers' rights [e2f2b2c7]. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's call for peace and unity amidst these protests has taken on new urgency, especially in light of the potential for widespread unrest should Ajaero be arrested [e2f2b2c7].
In addition to the NLC's actions, the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) has called for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing labour strike, urging both the labour unions and the Federal Government to engage in dialogue [e80c84bb]. Meanwhile, members of the Organised Private Sector (OPS) have voiced their opposition to the proposed strike, warning of dire economic consequences if the NLC follows through with its threats [ba4c8543].
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has also weighed in, advocating for a living wage to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians and calling for a return to negotiations to resolve the minimum wage impasse [360d9b46]. With inflation soaring and the exchange rate reaching 1,503 Naira to one US dollar, the economic landscape in Nigeria remains fragile, making the NLC's threats to shut down the economy particularly concerning [49ea2caf].