The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) staged a nationwide strike, closing down the National Assembly in Abuja, in protest against the attack on its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero.
According to Newsmen, the strike showed mixed compliance across states, with some experiencing complete shutdowns while others recorded partial or no compliance.
In states like Lagos, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi, Kebbi, and Edo, the directives of the NLC and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) were followed, resulting in the closure of banks, public schools, and courts.
Kano witnessed shutdowns in banks and schools, leading to the suspension of qualifying exams. Osogbo, Osun State's capital, also experienced school closures with an increased police presence.
Imo saw partial compliance, with banks operating, while Enugu and Abuja workers resisted the strike, intending to join the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) strike the following day. The strike's impact varied in public universities, with ASUU supporting the strike while CONUA directed its members to abstain.
The strike stems from the NLC's dissatisfaction with the Federal Government's handling of workers' issues, such as the minimum wage, insecurity, corruption, and poor governance.
The NLC condemned claims by the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu that the strike was an ego trip. The union insisted that it was a collective effort to address broader issues affecting workers, not just a personal matter concerning NLC President Joe Ajaero.
Despite warnings from the Federal Government, the NLC expressed satisfaction with the strike's compliance on the first day. Notable sectors, including the maritime industry, food, beverage, tobacco, chemical, non-metallic products, and construction, fully adhered to the strike. PENGASSAN joined the industrial action.
Some areas, like Abuja, experienced significant disruptions. Banks and trains were halted in Lagos, and schools were closed in Kano. The strike's impact on major sectors, including aviation, healthcare, and education, demonstrated the NLC's resolve, with promises of increased compliance in the coming days.
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