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NANS appeals to NLC, TUC to shelve proposed strike
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has appealed to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to suspend their proposed strike in the interest of the nation.
Mr Pedro Obi, NANS National President, made the appeal at a news conference in Abeokuta on Saturday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NLC and TUC had on Feb. 8 issued a 14-day nationwide strike notice to the government over the failure to implement the agreements reached on Oct. 2, following the removal of the fuel subsidy.
Obi noted that the association shared in the pains Nigerians are experiencing, especially the youth and the student community, over the current hardship.
He explained that the association was of the strong belief that the planned strike, if embarked on, would further worsen the economic crisis in the country.
The NANS president added that the labour unions had the right to make demands and embark on strike to drive home their points, but appealed for reconsideration of the decision.
He urged them to take into consideration the potential impact on insecurity, economy and more importantly, the academic progress of students across the nation.
“While recognising the importance of addressing labour-related concerns and advocating for workers’ rights, we kindly urge the labour unions to explore alternative means of dialogue and negotiation with the relevant authorities.
“A strike, though a powerful tool, can lead to civil unrest and further worsen the security and economic situation of the country.
“We believe that constructive dialogue and engagement can lead to mutually beneficial solutions without causing nationwide unrest.
“Our plea is not to undermine the legitimacy of the concerns raised by the labour unions, but to emphasise the potential adverse effects a strike could have on all sectors of our economy.
“We remain hopeful that a consensus can be reached through meaningful discussions, ensuring that the rights and well-being of both workers and students are considered in the pursuit of fair and just solutions,” he said.
Obi called on the Federal Government to fast track the process of implementing the new minimum wage, saying it would go a long way in addressing the plights of the people. (NAN)
Former lawmaker, Senator Shehu Sani, has described the planned increase in electricity and telecom tariffs as unconscionable.
The statement comes after the telecoms regulator last week approved the increase in mobile tariffs.
The federal government also recently said that plans were ongoing to increase electricity tariffs “over the next few months.”
However, Sani, who said the government’s plan is unreasonable, insisted that it should be halted.
The ex-lawmaker also expressed his support for the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) over the scheduled protest against the government’s proposal, calling it a welcome development.
“The planned increase in electricity tariffs in the midst of poor power supply and the proposal to increase telecom tariffs is unconscionable and should be halted. The scheduled labour union protest is a welcome development,” he posted on X.
The United States President, Donald Trump, has revealed his decision to cut off all future funding to South Africa, citing poor treatment of “certain classes of people.”
Trump made this known on Sunday in a post on Truth Social, his social media platform.
According to Trump, South Africa was seizing land and mistreating some citizens without concern for the violations of their rights.
“South Africa is confiscating land and treating certain classes of people VERY BADLY.
“I will be cutting off all future funding to South Africa until a full investigation of this situation has been completed!” Trump wrote.
Reports suggest that the American leader may be defending White South Africans, some of whom have alleged that the South African policy is unfair to them.
There are indications that the federal government will on Monday meet with the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, to stop the planned Tuesday nationwide protest against the 50 percent telecommunications tariff hike.
A reliable source familiar with the matter, who preferred anonymity, disclosed this on Monday morning, noting that the meeting between the NLC leadership and the federal government is scheduled for 5 p.m. on Monday.
The source said the meeting was a “dialogue on matters of national interest as it affects Nigerian workers.”
According to the source, it will be an inter-ministerial meeting with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), purposely to resolve issues raised by the NLC concerning the federal government’s approved upward adjustment to telecommunications tariffs, which the NLC, its allies, and others are vehemently opposing.
This comes as the NLC is already mobilizing workers for a mass protest tomorrow (February 4) against the 50 percent tariff hike approval.
On Thursday last week, in a letter to affiliate unions and state councils, NLC General Secretary Emma Ugboaja urged them to mobilize other Nigerians to send a serious message to the government.
The planned protest follows the 50 percent telecom tariff approval by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on January 20, 2025.
The approval had sparked widespread rejection among telecom subscribers.
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