BREAKING: NLC, TUC declare nationwide strike, give reason

The Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), two prominent labor unions in Nigeria, have jointly announced a nationwide strike in response to the attack on NLC President Joe Ajaero. The decision to initiate the strike was made following a briefing in Abuja on Friday, where the NLC and TUC leaders outlined a series of demands to the Federal Government.

The labor unions have presented a 6-point demand, which includes the immediate removal of the Imo State Commissioner of Police and the Area Commander, as well as other police officers allegedly involved in the brutalization and humiliation of Joe Ajaero and other workers. The incident reportedly took place during an organized labor protest in Imo State.

The nationwide strike is scheduled to commence on Wednesday, November 8, 2023.

Recalling the events that led to this decision, it was reported that NLC President Joe Ajaero was reportedly captured and subjected to brutal treatment during the organized labor protest in Imo State. He was reportedly taken into custody by Nigerian Police Force officers and later appeared with visible injuries on his face, indicating that he had been physically assaulted.

Benson Upah, the NLC Publicity Secretary, shared that Ajaero’s injuries were severe enough that he could not receive treatment at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Owerri. Consequently, there is an urgent need to transport him abroad for medical treatment. This incident has sparked outrage among the labor unions, leading to their decision to go on a nationwide strike.