By Aliyu Dangida
The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, counterparts, have resolved to stop the ongoing nationwide strike from midnight today (Wednesday) after a meeting with the National Security Adviser, NSA, Nuhu Ribadu.
A source who was at the meeting told News Point Nigeria that the Labour Leaders communicated their resolution to stop the strike to the office of the NSA about an hour ago.
This newspaper earlier reported that the Federal Government held a meeting with the leadership of the NLC and the TUC to negotiate for the suspension of the ongoing industrial action.
The meeting, which was held at the office of the National Security Adviser to the President, had in attendance the TUC President, Festus Osifo; the NLC General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja; the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, among others.
At the end of the meeting which was held behind closed doors, both the minister of labour and the President of the Trade Union Congress said they had a robust conversation on the issues at stake.
A statement from the Ministry of Labour also stated that the unionists promised to go back to their members and consider the plea to call off the strike.
But the source, who pleaded anonymity told News Point Nigeria via a telephone conversation that the Labour Leaders after a zoom meeting with state chapters, other excos, other unions and stakeholders, agreed to call off the strike.
“The NSA gave us good reasons and made pledges on our demands and we are convinced he is on top of the situation, therefore, we will call off the strike tonight and an official statement will be made available soon.
“We will monitor the situation and see where this trust bestowed on the NSA leads to”, the source added.
Confirming the development in a political programme on Freedom Radio, Kano, ‘Kowanne Gauta’, Wednesday night, the Labour Chairman, Kano state chapter, Comrade Kabiru Inuwa, said, “yes, the strike has been suspended’.
This newspaper learnt that the labour leaders have among other demands asked for the arrests and prosecution of those who attacked the NLC President in Owerri, the Imo State capital.
