AGF Faults NLC, TUC on Proposed Nationwide Strike

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN, has informed the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) that their planned strike action on June 3 is illegal, unlawful, and unconstitutional.

Fagbemi has warned both organizations to cancel the strike and return to the negotiation table to avoid violating the laws governing labor disputes.

In a letter addressed to the leadership of both unions, Fagbemi criticized the manner in which the strike was declared, stating it was a gross violation of labor laws. He cited various relevant statutes, emphasizing that the NLC and TUC were required to give a 15-day notice to the federal government before considering any strike action.

Fagbemi also noted that the unions had breached International Labour Organization (ILO) regulations, as they failed to meet the necessary conditions for declaring a strike.

He pointed out that the National Industrial Court of Nigeria had issued an order barring the NLC and TUC from going on strike, which remains in effect and binding on all parties involved in the labor dispute.

The letter, personally signed by Fagbemi, stressed that the court order had neither been appealed nor stayed or set aside. He urged the labor leaders to comply with the existing court order.

Declaring the planned strike action as premature, illegal, unlawful, and unconstitutional, Fagbemi pleaded with the workers not to proceed with it.

However, he suggested that the two labor unions attend the negotiation meeting, which has been adjourned to a date that will be communicated to them.

The letter was also copied to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Chief of Staff to the President, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, the National Security Adviser, the Inspector General of Police, and the Director General of the State Security Service.