Nigerian Lawmakers barred as NLC shuts down National Assembly amid strike

Nigerian legislators found themselves barred from their offices on Tuesday as the National Assembly complex was sealed by officials from the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) in adherence to a nationwide industrial action.

In response to the assault on NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero in Imo State, the National Assembly complex witnessed a lockdown, preventing both human and vehicular access. Members of the legislative chambers, National Assembly staff, journalists, and others were denied entry as the entrances were firmly closed.

Amidst heated discussions, Organised Labour representatives eventually opened one of the gates for reporters, allowing a few to gain access to the complex. However, both Chambers of the National Assembly remained unopened, raising concerns that plenary sessions might be delayed.

An official from the Parliamentary Association of Nigeria, PASSAN, NASS Branch, informed the media that the NLC’s directive regarding the ongoing strike action was being implemented at the National Assembly.

This development follows the directive from the NLC and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) for a nationwide strike, commencing from midnight on Tuesday, November 14, in protest of the assault on Ajaero. The Organised Labour emphasized that all affiliate unions of the TUC and NLC were instructed to adhere to the resolutions of the joint National Executive Council.

Addressing reporters in Abuja on Monday, President of TUC, Festus Osifo, asserted that the strike would persist until “governments at all levels wake up to their responsibility.”