The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a stern warning to the government, threatening a nationwide strike in response to the police’s violent repression of a peaceful protest by university workers in Abuja.
On Thursday, members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and Non-Academic Staff of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) gathered at Unity Fountain to protest the non-payment of their salaries. However, the FCT Commissioner of Police, Benneth Igweh, arrived and warned that the protest would not be allowed to proceed.
The police subsequently attacked the protesters, using excessive force and violating their rights.
The NLC has condemned the police’s actions, stating that they are an affront to the constitution and international human rights norms. The labour union demands an immediate apology from the police and the payment of the withheld salaries. If their demands are not met, they warn of a major national industrial protest.
This development highlights the ongoing tensions between labour unions and the government in Nigeria, with workers demanding their rights and better working conditions. The NLC’s threat of a nationwide strike could have significant implications for the country’s economy and social stability.