NLC Protest: ‘Go To Work Unfailingly ‘ — TUC Tells Members, Affiliates In 36 States, FCT

On Monday night, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) issued a memo instructing its members and affiliates in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to report to work as usual on February 27 and 28, 2024.

“I write to direct all affiliates and the thirty-six state Councils and FCT of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria to ensure they go to work unfailingly on these dates,” stated TUC President Festus Osifo in the internal memo. “we expect your compliance.”

The NLC, through the protests, aim to express dissatisfaction with the worsening economic situation and the rising cost of living in Nigeria.

The union rejected a last-minute attempt by the Federal Government, led by Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, to prevent the protests. Akume met with the NLC, TUC, and other labor leaders on Monday night.

While the TUC won’t join the NLC protests, Osifo emphasised the urgent need to expedite discussions on enacting the new national minimum wage into law. He addressed a press conference in Abuja on Monday, highlighting the growing hunger and hardship faced by Nigerian workers and citizens.

Osifo argued that the government and private sector’s prompt passage and faithful implementation of the new minimum wage would enhance workers’ disposable income and purchasing power. He added that the TUC has been investigating the root causes of the country’s economic problems and potential solutions over the past few weeks.

Uncontrolled Naira devaluation and widespread insecurity were identified by Osifo as the primary causes of the economic difficulties. He outlined the TUC’s proposed short, medium, and long-term solutions, which include: fixing the real value of the Naira, deliberate steps to address the allegation that sub-national governments throw billions of dollars monthly into the parallel market and dollarisation of political party primaries and electioneering.

The solutions also included the clampdown on speculative trading in the foreign exchange market, patronising made-in-Nigeria goods, strengthening the economic management team and curbing crude oil theft, among others.